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ZINIRE AGM and Symposium on the Cards

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ZINIRE AGM and Symposium on the Cards

The Zimbabwe National Institute of Rock Engineering (ZINIRE) will host its Annual General Meeting and Symposium on July 20th at the Zimbabwe School of Mines in Bulawayo.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The AGM and Symposium promises to be an essential gathering for those involved in rock engineering and mining, offering insights into the latest advancements and technologies in the field.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, ZINIRE Secretary General Freddy Chikwiri said the AGM, running under the theme “Managing Fall of Ground into the Future,” will feature technical presentations from rock engineering practitioners, consultants, student researchers, and academics.

“We will have technical presentations from rock engineering practitioners, consultants, student researchers, and academics in the rock engineering field,” Chikwiri said. “Topics will range from design and stability assessment in rock engineering, pillar design for underground mines, as well as the application of technology (IoT) in geotechnical monitoring to improve safety and decision-making in mines, just to mention a few.”

Chikwiri also mentioned that suppliers are invited to showcase their products that enhance safety and efficiency in the mining industry. Suppliers and organizations who wish to present in the non-technical category can do so under our various sponsorship categories which are as follows:

1. Silver ($500-$999) – 10 mins presentation & banner placement outside
2. Gold ($1000-$1499) – 15 mins presentation & banner placement both in the foyer and outside
3. Platinum ($1500+) – 20 mins presentation & banner placement on the podium, in the foyer, and outside.

“Suppliers will also showcase their products which help mines become safer and more efficient,” he added.

Who Should Attend:

– General Managers
– Rock Engineers
– Strata Control Officers
– Mine Managers
– MRM Managers
– Geologists
– Suppliers
– Miners & Mining Engineers
– Mine Planners
– Mining Inspectorate
– SHEQ Practitioners
– Rock Mechanics Technicians
– Civil Engineers
– Civil Engineering Technicians
– Students
– Small-scale Miners
– Anyone in the mining industry will benefit

Move to Smart Meters for Convenience – Chizuzu

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Move to Smart Meters for Convenience – Chizuzu

In a bid to address the ongoing challenges of estimated billing, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Mashonaland West Province Chairman, Mr Timothy Chizuzu, has urged miners to switch to smart meters for more accurate and convenient electricity billing.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, Chizuzu emphasized the importance of adopting smart meters, which provide precise readings of electricity usage, ensuring miners are billed accurately for the energy they consume.

The ZMF Mashwest Chairman highlighted several key benefits of smart meters, noting that they eliminate the discrepancies caused by estimated billing.

“It’s true that many miners have been struggling with the challenges of estimated billing. This has often resulted in higher-than-expected bills, which can be frustrating and financially burdensome.

“Smart meters offer several key benefits. First, they eliminate the discrepancies caused by estimated billing, providing accuracy and fairness. Miners can monitor their energy usage in real-time, which helps them to track and manage their consumption more effectively. This leads to better planning and budgeting for energy costs,” Chizuzu said.

According to Chizuzu, miners who have already adopted smart meters are very positive about the change.

“Miners who have already adopted smart meters are very positive about the change. They find this technology to be the most effective way of managing their electricity usage. The transparency and control it offers are invaluable, and the convenience of remote readings saves time and resources for everyone involved,” he said.

The push for smart meters comes amidst complaints from miners without smart metering who accuse the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) of unfair practices.

Miners have reported issues with frequent disconnections and claims of overdue payments despite having made the necessary payments.

“They are still constantly disconnecting mining users whenever they need to extort them for money. This happens every three months at least. They drive around the whole of Mash West Kadoma area and disconnect mines claiming overdue payments. Once you prove that their office is at fault and behind on correcting accounts and acknowledging payments which were in fact made, you have lost three days of production! This is a constant issue we fight daily with the Kadoma office and their billing department,” one miner reported.

Chizuzu acknowledged the concerns, stating, “I understand that change can be daunting, but I assure you that smart meters are a worthwhile investment. They provide a fairer, more accurate billing system and give you the tools to better manage your energy consumption. I encourage all miners to embrace this technology for the many benefits it offers.”

Caledonia Maintains US$0.14 Quarterly Dividend

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Caledonia Maintains US$0.14 Quarterly Dividend

Multi-listed, gold-focused miner, Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc, has announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of 14 United States cents (US$0.14) on each Company’s shares.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

For a consecutive quarter since October 2021, the gold mining company will pay a dividend of US$0.14. The board has, however, promised to review dividends based on the company’s performance and capital investment requirements.

According to Caledonia, the relevant dates relating to the dividend are as follows:
– Ex-dividend date VFEX: July 10, 2024
– Ex-dividend date AIM: July 11, 2024
– Ex-dividend date NYSE American: July 12, 2024
– Record date: July 12, 2024
– Payment date: July 26, 2024

Shareholders with a registered address in the UK will be paid in Sterling.

Caledonia paid its initial dividend in February 2012 of 6 Canadian cents. On April 4, 2013, Caledonia announced an annual dividend in respect of the year to December 31, 2012, also of 6 Canadian cents. On November 25, 2013, Caledonia announced that in 2014 it intended to pay an annual aggregate dividend of 6 Canadian cents per common share, payable on a quarterly basis. The first quarterly dividend of 1.5 Canadian cents per common share was paid at the end of January 2014, and further quarterly dividends were subsequently paid at the end of April, July, and October in each year.

In December 2015, Caledonia announced that, with effect from the results for the year to December 31, 2015 (which were released at the end of March 2016), it would report its financial results in United States Dollars, instead of Canadian Dollars. Accordingly, all dividends would also be declared in United States Dollars. In January 2016, Caledonia announced that the dividend payable at the end of January 2016 would be 1.125 US cents, and the quarterly dividend policy was subsequently increased in Q3 of 2016 from 1.125 US cents per share to 1.375 US cents per share, an increase of 22%. In conjunction with the overall 1-for-5 share consolidation which became effective on June 26, 2017, Caledonia announced on July 4, 2017, that it had made a commensurate adjustment to the dividend by increasing it fivefold.

On January 3, 2020, it was announced that Caledonia would be increasing the quarterly dividend by approximately 9% to 7.5 US cents per share, commencing with the dividend to be paid at the end of January 2020. On June 29, 2020, it was announced that Caledonia would be increasing the quarterly dividend by approximately 13% to 8.5 US cents per share, commencing with the dividend to be paid at the end of July 2020. On October 1, 2020, a further increase was announced to 10 US cents per share (an 18% increase). In 2021, increased dividends were announced in every quarter: January, April, July, and October. The October dividend was increased by 8% to US$0.14 per share, where it has remained, a 104% increase from the dividend announced in October 2019.

In January 2022, the Company announced a further dividend of US$0.14 per share. With Central Shaft now complete, the Company’s strategy is predominantly focused on de-risking the business from being a single-asset producer.

Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 28 June 2024

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Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 28 June 2024

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram today 28 June 2024.

SG 90% and ABOVE US$70.59/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$69.84g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$69.10/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$68.35/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$67.23g

Fire Assay CASH $70.97/g

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100gs, 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 set for Primary Producers

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

Massive Revenue Losses in Mining Sector Due to Corruption and Illicit Financial Flows: GGZT

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Massive Revenue Losses in Mining Sector Due to Corruption and Illicit Financial Flows: GGZT

The country is losing significant revenue due to corruption and illicit financial flows, stemming from the lack of adherence to tax laws in Zimbabwe’s mining industry, according to an upcoming report by Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust (GGZT).

On Thursday at the Holiday Inn Harare, Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust held a significant validation meeting following the development of its report on corruption and illicit financial flows in the country’s mining sector.

The report, developed over the past year, highlights how the lack of adherence to tax laws promotes illicit financial flows, resulting in substantial revenue losses for the country.

According to Frank Mpahlo, Director of Green Governance Trust, the country is losing significant revenue due to the current stance on taxation in the mining industry.

“This means that the country is losing significant revenue from mining activities due to the current tax structure. For instance, some companies are unnecessarily given tax incentives, allowing them to make super profits at the expense of local revenue mobilization,” Mpahlo said.

“The targeted stakeholders for this report include members of parliament, who are crucial in approving policies, as well as policymakers in government departments and ministries. Importantly, we also aim to give a voice to communities in mining areas. By providing data showing how the country loses revenue through certain tax incentives, we empower these communities to demand government action to close these gaps and prevent further losses,” Mpahlo noted.

The meeting included members of the Publish What You Pay Coalition, a group of institutions and organizations in Zimbabwe dedicated to promoting good natural resource governance. Feedback from coalition members was solicited to enhance the report and increase its impact on specific stakeholders.

According to feedback from the coalition, the human aspect of this issue is particularly poignant. “Instead of granting tax holidays or incentives to mining companies or investors, resources should be used to improve community welfare by building schools, hospitals, roads, and providing access to energy.”

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe on the sidelines of the meeting, Mpahlo said, “The next steps involve reviewing and finalizing the report before disseminating its findings to ensure the identified gaps are addressed and that mining activities contribute positively to Zimbabwe’s development.”

Adoption of Human Rights, Environmental Due Diligence Critical for Community to Benefit from Mining: ZELA

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Adoption of Human Rights, Environmental Due Diligence Critical for Community to Benefit from Mining: ZELA

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) has emphasized that adopting human rights and environmental due diligence is crucial for communities to benefit from mining activities and for companies to access markets for their mineral products outside Zimbabwe.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Issues of due diligence are now topical as companies are unwilling to buy minerals that are conflicted or not sourced or mined ethically.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe on the sidelines of a breakfast meeting organized by ZELA at Holiday Inn Harare, titled “Development of Mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence in Zimbabwe,” ZELA’s Obert Bore said due diligence measures should be incorporated into law. Therefore, mining companies should identify issues across the value chain, considering health, social issues, and environmental factors.

“The key takeaway is that human rights and environmental due diligence must be comprehensive. We look at human rights issues related to health, such as the impacts of mining on the health of communities. This means that when Zimbabwe adopts a human rights due diligence law, mining companies should be expected to identify issues across the value chain, considering health, social issues, and environmental factors. These due diligence measures should be integrated into existing laws,” Bore said.

Bore emphasized that due diligence frameworks should be incorporated into the legislation in the amendment process to ensure that companies address community concerns and uphold environmental human rights.

“For example, as we amend the Mines and Minerals Act, we could include provisions that compel mining companies to undertake human rights due diligence and incorporate these into the Minerals Amendment Bill. Similarly, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is amending the Environment and Management Act, and they can include aspects of environmental due diligence as part of the environmental impact assessment. It’s crucial to ensure these processes are continuous. Due diligence is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Whenever violations are identified, companies should be expected to remediate them and report on how they have addressed any violations within their supply chain and operations,” he said.

At present, Zimbabwe does not have a law that compels businesses operating in the country to conduct human rights and environmental due diligence. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) is an international framework that expects companies to undertake human rights due diligence. Any country can adopt these guiding principles to compel companies to conduct human rights due diligence.

However, Zimbabwe has not yet domesticated these guiding principles by adopting a national action plan on business and human rights. This means that, currently, Zimbabwe does not have a framework to enforce human rights and environmental due diligence.

The breakfast meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), civil society groups, and individuals.

How Mine, Redwing, and Mazowe Announce Agreement with HCVI

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How Mine, Redwing, and Mazowe Announce Agreement with HCVI

How Mine, Redwing Mine, and Mazowe Mine have announced that they have entered into a business agreement with Hennessy Capital Investment Corporation (HCVI).

Hennessy CapitalIn a Press Release, the shareholders said the transaction strongly positions Redwing and Mazowe, to resume operations, while scaling up production at How Mine.

“In the first quarter of the year 2024, the shareholders of How Mine, Redwing Mine, and Mazowe Mine announced a strategic plan to restore sustainable mining at Redwing and Mazowe, and increasing production at How Mine.

We are pleased to provide the following update;

As previously communicated, the shareholders of How, Mazowe and Redwing mines have been diligently exploring various investment options to propel these operations into a new phase of growth.

Today, we are pleased to announce a transaction by way of a business combination with Hennessy Capital Investment Corporation (“HCVI”), a reputable company listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (NASDAQ: HCVI)

The transaction strongly positions the two mines, Redwing and Mazowe, to resume operations, while scaling up production at How Mine. The transaction further demonstrates the attractiveness of Zimbabwe’s mining sector to international capital markets, thereby offering more economic opportunities for the country,” the press release read in part.

The deal is expected to be concluded by the end of the year subject to regulatory approvals.

More on the deal HERE

About Hennessy Capital Group

Hennessy Capital Group (HCG) is an alternative investment manager, serving as a strategic capital and growth partner for innovative technology companies focused on four categories: industrial, infrastructure, real estate, and climate.

HCG partners with all stakeholders, including founders, management, employees, directors, and shareholders to catalyze growth to help build enduring businesses that make positive and meaningful contributions to the world. HCG employs a partner-centric model and strictly adheres to its core values of stewardship, transparency, integrity, and accountability.

HCG invests through two core strategies: Public Equity (SPACs) and Private Equity (Growth).

  • Public Equity (SPACs): Since inception, HCG has raised or acquired 16 SPACs, totaling ~$4 billion of IPO equity volume, and closed on 10 SPAC business combinations, which were valued in aggregate of ~$8 billion of enterprise value. In connection to the successful SPAC business combinations, HCG has raised ~$1 billion in total PIPE capital.
  • Private Equity (Growth): HCG also maintains an active private growth equity strategy supporting visionary founders and capable management teams in their efforts to rapidly scale, build iconic brands, and deliver long-term value to shareholders.

BREAKING: Namib Minerals to revive Mazowe and Redwing Mines

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BREAKING: Namib Minerals to revive Mazowe and Redwing Mines

Namib Minerals, an established gold producer in Africa, is set to expand its operations significantly with the planned revival of Mazowe Mine also known as Jumbo and Redwing, in Zimbabwe. This strategic move is part of Namib’s broader vision to enhance its aggregate gold mining capacity and solidify its presence as a multi-asset producer in the region.

The restart of the two historically productive gold mines is a central focus of Namib’s growth plan, supported by the proceeds from a proposed business combination with Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VI (HCVI). This transaction, valued at a pre-money enterprise value of $500 million, includes up to an additional 30 million contingent ordinary shares tied to the completion of operational milestones, such as the commercial production of the Mazowe and Redwing mines.

Strategic Business Combination with HCVI

Namib Minerals and HCVI entered into a definitive business combination agreement, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024. The combined public company, to be named “Namib Minerals,” will list its common stock and warrants on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols “NAMM” and “NAMMW,” respectively.

The business combination is expected to deliver net proceeds of approximately $91 million to Namib, along with an additional $60 million in funding from financing agreements. These funds will support Namib’s growth initiatives, including the restart of the Mazowe and Redwing mines and the development of prospective battery metals assets in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Ibrahima Tall, CEO of Namib Minerals, expressed enthusiasm about the business combination with HCVI, highlighting the potential to realize the full value of Namib’s mining assets. Tall emphasized Namib’s commitment to sustainable and profitable mining operations that support local communities.

“Today represents a significant day and an exciting milestone for Namib. This business combination with HCVI will enable us to continue growing our business while helping us to realize the full potential of our mining asset portfolio. Namib is committed to creating an environment of safe, sustainable and profitable mining operations that supports the local communities we serve. This transaction provides us a partner in HCVI that shares our focus on sustainable growth and our goal to return as a multi-asset producer in Africa. We believe our established management team is well-positioned to unlock significant value for our shareholders, and we look forward to working closely with the HCVI team to make these aspirations a reality,” Tall said.

Daniel Hennessy, Chairman and CEO of HCVI, echoed this sentiment, noting Namib’s compelling position in the sub-Saharan mining industry and its potential for future expansion. The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to drive growth and create shareholder value.

“We are extremely pleased to announce our business combination with Namib, an established gold-mining company in the sub-Saharan mining industry. HCVI was formed with the objective of merging with an established and competitive company operating in the industrial or energy-transition sector. Namib stood out as a compelling partner due to its history of underground mining in precious metals, opportunities for future expansion and its mission to create safe, sustainable and profitable operations in the communities it serves. We look forward to collaborating with Ibrahima and his team of veterans in the mining industry, as Namib continues to grow and create shareholder value,”Hennessy said.

How Mine

At the core of Namib’s current operations is How Mine, a high-grade underground gold mine near Bulawayo. How Mine has a well-established track record of consistent production, generating strong cash flow and operating with one of the lowest cost profiles among its peers. The mine’s reliable performance and additional identified underground resources provide a solid foundation for Namib’s growth plans.

How Mine is situated on the Bulawayo greenstone belt and exploits several individual mineralised pods situated within a sigmoidal structure which dips at 70̊ to 80̊ west. The pods are broadly cigar-shaped bodies comprising zones of enhanced hydrothermal alteration and gold mineralisation that plunge steeply. Mineralisation within the orebodies consists predominately of pyrite (>90%) with minor chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite and is associated with silification and carbonation. Gold is found in contact with sulphides, often in fractures, although there is also some free gold. Some silver occurs with the gold, increasing from 4% to 8% of gold as mining progresses down-dip.

Namib Minerals’ administrative office is registered in New York.

Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 27 June 2024

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Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram 27 June 2024

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices per gram today 27 June 2024.

SG 90% AND ABOVE US$69.86/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$69.12g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$68.39/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$67.65/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$66.54g

Fire Assay CASH $70.23/g

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100gs, 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 set for Primary Producers

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

Gvt committed to ensuring miners comply with regulations

Mining
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Gvt committed to ensuring miners comply with regulations

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, through the Mashonaland West Province Mining Director, Mr Shingirai Makumbe, has reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring miners comply with regulations through education and providing ample support.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at an artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) stakeholders’ engagement meeting held at Rainbow Hotel in Kadoma on Thursday, the Mashonaland West PMD emphasized that the government and its parastatals are not only there to enforce compliance but also to assist in the growth and development of the mining industry.

“As government entities, we are not only there to ensure compliance,” said Makumbe. “Most government agencies have been highlighting that. We are also there to assist and ensure the development and growth of this sector.”

Makumbe acknowledged the proliferation of artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) and stated that the government is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the sector grows into a world-class industry.

“There are more small-scale miners than large-scale miners because more and more of our people are entering the mining sector as a business,” he said.

“The first thing we need to understand is that mining is a business and should be treated as such. Once one enters mining, they are entering the business stage.”

Miners have been complaining that the government has not been doing enough to educate miners or provide a ground for compliance, leading many to mine unprofessionally.

Speaking during the same stakeholders’ meeting, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Mashonaland West Province Treasurer Johane Sithole said the small-scale mining industry is in need of field officers who should be able to teach and educate miners on responsible mining and sourcing.

“We also need mining field officers. Similar to agriculture, the growth of a sector or industry requires a collective effort between the government and stakeholders. Artisanal miners will not grow without government or Ministry of Mines personnel to help them with best mining practices, promoting sustainable mining. We appeal to the government and the Ministry to routinely monitor small-scale mining activities to educate miners on best practices, rather than only appearing during accidents or gold mobilization,” Sithole added.

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