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Disco wants local foundry to benefit

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Disco wants local foundry to benefit

Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) is setting up structures and policies to ensure that the local foundry industry benefits from its Manhize project, company Managing Director Benson Xu has said.

Rudairo Mapuranga

This was revealed at the handover ceremony of the Disco mining lease by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando at the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) offices on Thursday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Disco Managing Director Benson Xu said the project which is now 70 per cent complete was going to ensure that the local foundry sector benefits by leaving room for downstream Steel using companies to continue with their line of work without Disco trying to manufacture everything.

“The assurance of mining lease to Dinson is very special. We appreciate the Minister of Mines and Mining Development for giving us such confidence and for his continuous support. We have achieved so much from 2018 when we started the project because of the support of the Minister. We are now very busy with the installation of the equipment, we hope that by the end of the year, we will achieve the target to commission blast furnaces. We are still very confident that by the end of this year, we will commission this plant. The new Manhize town has been approved by the local authority. We are saying that Dinsom is going to produce steel and we would want to invite a lot of local participants to come and work with us. Our intention is to ensure that the local foundry sector benefit from Dinson Iron and Steel,” Xu said.

The Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) Steel Plant is one of the Tsingshan Group of China’s mining projects in Zimbabwe. Tsingshan Group is one of the biggest investors with various other projects such as Afrochine Smelting (Pvt) Ltd in Selous, Mashonaland West which is into chrome smelting and Dinson Colliery (Pvt) Ltd in Hwange, Matabeleland which is into coke production. All these projects are interlinked as both ferrochrome and coke are required in steel production.

The coming of Disco has been duped as an accomplishment of another milestone towards the successful development of the mining sector and the national economy at large. According to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon Winston Chitando, “This is another step forward as we work towards the achievement of a USD12 billion mining industry by 2023 and ultimately feed into the national vision of Zimbabwe becoming an Upper-Middle Income Economy by the year 2030.”

As outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), some of the strategies being employed to grow the mining sector include attracting funding, enhanced exploration, the opening of new mines, re-opening of closed mines, expansion of existing mines as well as improving levels of local mineral beneficiation. This project is therefore a clear testimony of the government’s commitment towards value addition and beneficiation of minerals. Since the closure of ZISCO Steel, there has been very little production of steel in the country. Currently, only Steelmakers is producing steel.

About Dinson Iron and Steel project

The investment span of the project is from exploration to mining, beneficiation, and value addition. Therefore, covering the entire iron and steel value chain which will result in the creation of jobs, infrastructure development of participating provinces, generation of foreign currency and eventually contributing towards the economy of Zimbabwe.

DISCO (Pvt) Ltd was granted a Mining Special Grant Certificate (SG7126) in March 2021 which gave them the permission to explore and mine iron ore along the Mwanesi Range.

Bikita Minerals In Drive To Improve Livelihoods, Access To Water In Masvingo

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Bikita Minerals In Drive To Improve Livelihoods, Access To Water In Masvingo

ACCESS to water is fundamental and Bikita Minerals is currently walking the talk in working towards improving access to water in Masvingo province.

The mine which is in an overdrive to improve access to basic amenities has now shifted focus to improve access to water, especially in rural communities of Masvingo.

Of late, the mine has initiated drilling of boreholes across the province; six in Masvingo West, six in Masvingo North and 14 in Bikita West.

They are also targeting to drill an additional 10 boreholes in Bikita South and East.

Speaking to this publication, mine manager, David Mwanza said they are targeting to improve livelihoods in marginalized communities through income-generating projects and access to clean water.

“As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), we have a theme that, water is life, and we want to reduce the walking distance to a 1 kilometre especially in rural communities to allow families to generate income from green gardening, improve nutrition and avert disease outbreaks,” said Mwanza.

Villagers from Bikita West and Masvingo could not hide their excitement and commended the company for the kind gesture.

“Bikita Minerals values the health and well-being of the surrounding community. The new owners Sinomine have improved the human conditions and quality of life of the community. What the Lithium miner has done in only 2 years cannot be matched by all the previous owners combined,” said 65-year-old Sekuru Gobvu.

Bikita Minerals has made strides in CSR across the province as it seeks to improve the livelihoods of marginalized groups.

In recent months, they have been upgrading roads and ensuring access to healthcare.

Some of the boreholes drilled in Bikita West and Masvingo are solar-powered.

The mine is also working on a power line from Tokwe-Bikita that is set to improve power supply in at-least three districts in Masvingo Province (Gutu, Zaka and Bikita).

Zimbabwe gold buying prices 22 June 2023

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Zimbabwe gold buying prices 22 June 2023

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices Thursday 22 June 2023. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices for today.

SG 90% AND ABOVE US$58.50/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$57.88/g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$57.26/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$56.64/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$55.71/g
FIRE ASSAY CASH US$-/g

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100gs and no sample is deducted.
For the Fire Assay Transfer price, a sample of not more than 10g is deducted
A 2% royalty is charged on all deposits (small-scale miners)
A 5% royalty is charged to Primary Producers

Cash available. Fidelity Gold Refinery prices will be changing daily in relation to world market prices.

Shamva Mine implements safety standards to ensure zero harm

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Shamva Mine implements safety standards to ensure zero harm

Shamva Mine has implemented a Safety Health Environment and Quality Management system that adheres to ISO 45001, 14001 and 9001 standards. The system aims to achieve zero harm to personnel, the environment and stakeholder ecosystems.

The Kuvimba Mining House (KMH) owned gold mine intends to identify potential hazards and risks, including those that arise because of its operations and put controls in place to manage or eliminate them. With this approach, Shamva Mine believes it can mitigate the risks that affect both employees and the environment.

“Shamva Mine has a Safety Health Environment and Quality Management system that conforms to ISO 45001, 14001 & 9001 standards for Occupational Health, Environmental Management and Quality Management. The objective of the system is to achieve zero harm to personnel, the environment and stakeholder ecosystems. The implementation framework ensures that we are able to identify hazards and risks within our siting of works including those arising as a result of our operations and put controls to eradicate them or manage them to acceptable levels. By so doing, we believe we can tackle all potential risks that can affect our employees and environment,” Shamva Mine General Manager Gift Mapakame said.

While the mining industry faces inherent dangers, the company strives to maintain safety standards and improve its practices continually. Despite unfortunate incidents happening from time to time, the company learns from them, ensuring it can evolve and implement better systems in the future.

“Yes, sometimes we have unfortunate incidents, but our spirit is to draw learning points from these unwanted events and ensure that we continuously improve systems in place,” Mapakame said

Shamva Mine’s commitment to safety is commendable, especially in the Zimbabwe mining industry where accidents and environmental disasters are not uncommon. By implementing strict safety protocols and continually improving standards, the company is positioning itself as a leader in responsible mining practices.

Caledonia Mining shares up 3.3%

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Caledonia Mining shares up 3.3%

Caledonia Mining shot up 3.3% during mid-day trading on Monday. The company traded as high as C$23.17 and last traded at C$22.87. 20,380 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 134% from the average session volume of 8,717 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$22.13.

Caledonia Mining Co. Plc (CAL.TO) Trading Up 3.3 %

The firm has a market capitalization of C$263.49 million and a P/E ratio of 6.29. The company has a quick ratio of 1.62, a current ratio of 2.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20. The stock has a fifty-day moving average price of C$22.87.

Caledonia Mining Co. Plc (CAL.TO) Company Profile

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc primarily engages in exploring and developing gold properties. The company also explores for precious metals. It primarily holds a 49% interest in the Blanket Mine, a gold mine located in Zimbabwe. The company was formerly known as Caledonia Mining Corporation and changed its name to Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc in March 2016.

Vehicles, shops torched as rival miners clash

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Vehicles, shops torched as rival miners clash

Three Honda Fit vehicles as well as a number of tuck-shops were set on fire in a fight between two rival groups of miners at Wanderer gold mine in Shurugwi.

The incident happened on Friday when the two groups fought running battles over the control of mining areas.

Wanderer Gold Mine is one of the oldest mines in Shurugwi.

There are several tuck-shops dotted around the mine which sell groceries, beverages and even clothing to gold miners operating in the area.

No arrests have been made amid indications that the warring parties have gone into hiding.

Shurugwi District Development Coordinator (DDC) Mr Romeo Shangwa who visited the site confirmed the development.

“Yes, three Honda Fit vehicles and 17 tuck-shops were burnt following misunderstandings between rival groups of gold miners,” he said.

Mr Shangwa said the groups were fighting over control of mining areas around the old mine.

“We have been told that the misunderstanding is over control of mining areas. Three vehicles and several tuck-shops were torched during the skirmishes,” he said.

Mr Shangwa said the district leadership is looking into the matter with the hope of bringing the warring parties to the table.

“No arrests have been made as far as I know. We were told when we visited the site that the culprits had gone into hiding and we want to bring them together so that we avoid such occurrences. Even if one or two people are arrested, the fights will continue hence we want to find a permanent solution,” he said.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko referred Chronicle to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who was not available for comment.

Wanderer Mine is owned by a local company which has since abandoned the area because of the activities of illegal miners.

Sources say it is now a free for all, a development that has led to rival groups fighting to control the mining areas.

In 2018, the Government suspended mining operations at the gold mine as a safety measure after part of the mineshaft collapsed trapping several illegal gold miners.

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Mine workers demand a minimum US$600 salary

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Mine workers demand a minimum US$600 salary

Mine workers are demanding a salary increment of US$600 for low-grade workers which will be paid in 100 per cent forex, Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Mine Workers Union (ZDAMWU) General Secretary Mr Justice Chinhema has said.

Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe Chinhema said workers have become demotivated to work due to the low wages they are receiving from mining firms.

He said this situation was likely going to increase Mine accidents in big Mines as the workers have become demoralized and under too much emotional pressure caused by the lack of basic commodities.

“Life is now very hard for the working class, Mine workers included and we are challenging mining companies to come to the rescue of their workers.

“With the running away of the exchange rate against the USD. The RTGS component has become useless and the workers’ salary is losing its buying power.

We now demand a salary review across the sector to USD600.00 paid 100% without the useless RTGS.

“Mining communities are in rural districts and big supermarkets are not found there who normally accept the RTGS using their black market exchange rate.

“A good employer is one who remembers their workers during difficult times. Ignoring this call at mine level might cause a decrease in production. Workers are demotivated due to the slave wage they are earning now. We are also likely to see an increase in mine accidents due to workers pressure mentally,” he said.

Chinhema’s call has come after his organisation released a statement recently demanding salary increments at Chinese owned Bikita Minerals and Anjin Investments.

Below is a statement released by the workers union.

“We want to appreciate the management of Bikita Minerals and Anjin Investments for agreeing to increase the basic minimum wage for their workers with USD100. Taking the minimum wage of the lowest paid employee of these companies to USD450.

This did not come easily but pushing by their union ZDAMWU and threat to job action.

“What we would want to say Today is that – mine workers demand a living wage of USD600.00 minimum paid 100% USD. We will not rest until we achieve this target at the 2 mines and across all mines in Zimbabwe.

Anjin Investments is a diamond mining company that must pay its workers commensurate to the value of diamonds. Other diamond companies namely ZCDC and Murowa are paying better and we want Anjin to follow suit and we shall not rest until the welfare of our members at Anjin are improved , Including working conditions, accomodation , PPE and food. We want also to remind the management that dialogue is important not threats . Management must allow workers to air their grievances and they must lesson and do every step to address the issues.

“As of Bikita Minerals – we also shall be pushing until we get to $600.00. They have capacity to pay.

Works Council bargaining is permissible at law and we shall use that platform to win

We want to thank all those who supported us during the negotiations. We shall continue pushing for more”.

Shamva Mine adopts Innovative Mining Methods for optimal efficiency

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Shamva Mine adopts Innovative Mining Methods for optimal efficiency

Kuvimba Mining House (KMH)‘s Shamva Mine is currently operating as an underground mine and employs innovative Sublevel Open Stoping mining methods that are tailored to the geometry of the ore body.

Sublevel Open Stoping is a mining method that is known for its efficiency and safety. The method involves mining the ore body in horizontal slices or levels. The levels are drilled and blasted, and then the broken ore is transported to the surface for processing. The approach is especially suited for the extraction of narrow veins and lodes that can be found in underground deposits.

According to Shamva Mine General Manager Gift Mapakame, two variants of Sublevel Open Stoping mining methods are applied. Long-hole Stoping is used when the ore block is more regular, broad, and continuous in mineralization. The approach is known for its massive ore generation and is ideal for mining high-grade gold deposits. Long-hole Stoping is particularly suited for deposits that can be accessed through open pits.

“Shamva Mine is currently operated as an underground mine which employs Sublevel Open Stoping mining method applied in Longhole Stoping and Underhand Stoping variants. The variants are utilized to respond to the geometry of the ore body. Underhand Stoping is opted when the ore block requires more selective mining particularly in narrow veins to manage dilution whereas long-hole is opted when the block is more regular, broad and more continuous in mineralization. The latter earns itself to massive ore generation whereas the former is limits ore generation into smaller drill & blast cycles,”

On the other hand, Underhand Stoping is used in instances where the ore block requires more selective mining. This is often the case with narrow veins where dilution needs to be managed carefully. Underhand Stoping is an effective approach to mining narrow veins and is known for limiting ore generation into smaller drill and blast cycles.

By employing these innovative mining methods, Shamva Mine is able to optimize its efficiency and productivity in its mining operations. The company has seen an increase in the amount of precious metals extracted and processed, which translates into higher revenue and profits. Moreover, the innovative methods have ensured the safety of the employees by minimizing potential hazards and risks in the mining process.

Shamva Mine’s application of Sublevel Open Stoping mining methods has proved to be highly effective in the extraction of precious metals. More importantly, the methods have enabled the company to operate safely while maximizing its efficiency and productivity.

The Shamva mine project has a lifespan of 14 years producing 2.6 tonnes of gold per year.

Parly anticipates critical discussions at ZMF Annual Conference

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Parly anticipates critical discussions at ZMF Annual Conference

The upcoming Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) annual general conference is expected to focus on various topics such as community benefit models, alternative energy sources and beneficiation, as the Parliament of Zimbabwe eagerly anticipates discussions on these important matters.

Rudairo Mapuranga

This year’s ZMF annual general conference will run under the theme, “Responsible mining: A catalyst for sustainable development” and it aims to discuss the policies affecting Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining operations and assess the implications on the growth of mining.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development Chairperson Hon Edmond Mkaratigwa says Parliament is eying to see issues to do with research and innovation in regards to power generation, community benefit models and beneficiation being emphasized for the growth and development of the small scale and artisanal Mining industry.

“Issues pertinent to us revolve around research and innovation on alternative sources of energy for the country and electricity supply fortification for the mining industry. In addition, there should be thought aligned to community benefit models. Further, beneficiation should continue to be emphasized so that the sector feeds into the overall local industry development. Those are some of the issues that need to be looked at in the face,” Hon Mkaratigwa said.

ZMF CEO Mr Wellington Takavarasha in a statement said that the AGM was going to touch on areas of innovation and address challenges faced by the ASM sector in growth and development.

“Speakers are industry leaders and experts that will provide new perspectives on issues and concerns of artisanal and small scale mining sector and share cutting edge content and insight on the mining landscape,” Takavarasha said.

ZMF is hosting its Annual Mining Conference on the 6th – 7th of July 2023 at the Gweru Business Convention Centre.

This year’s event is designed to gather artisanal and small-scale miners, large-scale miners, stakeholders, service providers, investors, and policymakers to holistically align the artisanal and small-scale miners in the mainstream economy in the most sustainable and rational manner.

13% of Zimplats procurement spend goes to LEDs

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13% of Zimplats procurement spend goes to LEDs

A total of 22 companies that are under ZIMPLATS’ Local Enterprise Development (LEDs) program have benefitted from Zimplats Expansion projects due to a guaranteed business through preferential procurement arrangements resulting in 10% to 13% of the company’s procurement going to the LEDs.

Rudairo Mapuranga

This was revealed during the official commissioning of ZIMPLATS’ US$104 million third concentrator plant in Ngezi last week.

According to Implats (Zimplats owners) Chairperson Thandi Orleyn Zimplats’ focus is not only on mining development but is extended to community inclusion resulting in the creation of LEDs and local industrialisation programmes to empower communities.

“Your Excellency, as Zimplats we don’t just focus on mining development but we embrace our communities and grow with them. Zimplats projects have opened opportunities for local businesses including a total of 22 companies that are under our Local Enterprise Development (LEDs) programme. These LEDs participate in the supply chain or as contractors. They have at least “guaranteed” business from Zimplats through some preferential procurement arrangements that we have with them. Your Excellency, approximately 10%-13% of our procurement spend goes to the LEDs.

“Your Excellency, the LEDs and local industrialisation programmes have had a significant transformative impact on our communities. They have promoted inclusive development, contributed to the Provincial GDP, creating employment opportunities, currently over 3 240 people are directly employed, fiscal contributions and contributed towards import substitution. Your Excellency, Zimplats remains committed to creating an empowered community. Various initiatives including Social Investment Programmes are being undertaken as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility Programme. We strongly believe that as a company, we need to go beyond this in support of the Government Policy on Economic Empowerment,” she said.

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