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All set for ZMF Base Minerals Workshop

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All set for ZMF Base Minerals Workshop

The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) is inviting stakeholders in the base mineral value chain for a workshop aimed at capacitating stakeholders in making use of opportunities presented by the government in the subsector.

Rudairo Mapuranga

The workshop will run from 09:00hrs on the 22nd of February 2023.

The workshop which will run under the theme “Unlocking The Base Mineral Value Chain” will see the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando, the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) General Manager Mr Tongai Muzenda and the ZMF President Ms Henrietta Rushwaya unpacking and presenting stakeholders with the endless opportunities that have been created by the government in the industry.

Through the Base Minerals Export Control (unBeneficiated Base Mineral Ores) Order, 2023, contained in Statutory Instrument 5 of 2023 and signed by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando, the government of Zimbabwe has unveiled opportunities for investors to venture into value addition and beneficiation of minerals through restricting the export of all ores and under-processed minerals.

The objectives of the bans under all Acts of any ore are designed to encourage the maximum possible processing within Zimbabwe, adding value, with this processing added value in many cases worth a lot more than the ore being processed. This maximises the value of the export, creates processing jobs in Zimbabwe, and builds up the industrial investment and skills base.

President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has on many occasions praised the decision to restrict the export of unprocessed minerals saying that it will encourage the creation of higher-value downstream processing jobs in the domestic market.

Export restrictions of raw materials are also used to meet other objectives for example, to generate revenue for the government, to control the export of illegally mined products, to enhance environmental protection, or to offset exchange rate impacts caused by exports of several commodities.

According to the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) General Manager Mr Tongai Muzenda the government is open for business to companies that want to establish value addition and beneficiation facilities as this will be of great significance towards the achievement of the 2030 vision where the country expects to achieve an upper middle-income economy.

“MMCZ ‘s role in value addition is in encouraging producers to value add their products. The MMCZ is there to maximize value, we are therefore calling for local and foreign companies to consider investing in value addition and beneficiation as it is one of the pillars for the achievement of the President’s 2030 vision.

“It’s a very lucrative opportunity for companies that appreciate minerals coming from Zimbabwe, for example, we have the best chrome ore in the world. This is the time for the companies to come and probably enjoy our high-grade minerals,” Muzenda said.

Mines bill fails to clearly define ASM miners – Mkaratigwa

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Mines bill fails to clearly define ASM miners – Mkaratigwa

Chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development has expressed concern over the failure of the Mines and Minerals amendment bill to clearly define artisanal miners who have been making significant strides towards economic development.

Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the Capacity Building Workshop on the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill for the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development in Bulawayo, Chairperson of the committee Hon Edmond Mkaratigwa said the bill remained silent on recognizing and defining artisanal miners.

He added on saying recognizing this sector will make it easy to regulate and collect taxes from the sector.

“Let us not shy away from acknowledging that artisanal and small-scale miners have been making significant economic contributions, particularly in the gold sector where at times they have surpassed large-scale producers in terms of output. Sometime last year I attended a workshop where the small-scale miners and local authorities were at loggerheads on an acceptable size of a claim for a small-scale miner. I remember the local authorities were advocating for at least 20 hectares in order to accommodate everyone, particularly the youth, given that land does not expand. I will however leave this issue to the experts and practitioners represented here by ZMF, local authorities, our consultants and Honorable Members present among others. I also noted with concern that the Bill remained silent on recognizing and defining an artisanal miner. Yet, there are so many of them located in our constituencies and in most mining districts across the country. It is important that they are recognized and legally integrated into the mainstream economy. It will be much easier for the Government to regulate and collect taxes from a sector clearly recognized by and at law,” Hon Mkaratigwa said.

Mkaratigwa said if the bill clearly defines and recognises artisanal miners, it will be a great advantage for the government to curb illicit financial flows necessitated by the failure to account for the miners.

“Several towns in Zimbabwe have emerged as a result of mining and vivid examples are Kwekwe, Shurugwi and Zvishavane among others. Our producers, under the Chamber of Mines and ZMF, should therefore be applauded for keeping our economy going. Nevertheless, the downside of things is that not all mining revenue is finding its way to the fiscus. Part of the mining revenues are lost through illicit financial flows and Zimbabwe lost close to USD12 billion by the year ending 2010,” he said.

There are over 45 000 formal jobs in the mining industry and approximately 500 000 people are employed directly as artisanal and small-scale miners.

Parly disappointed with the slow implementation of the Cadastre system

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Parly disappointed with the slow implementation of the Cadastre system

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development has expressed disappointment over the slow implementation of the Mining Cadastre system.

Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the Capacity Building Workshop on the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill for the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development, the committee’s chairman, Hon Edmond Mkaratigwa said that the cadastre completion is key to addressing some of the conflicts in the mining sector therefore it is critical for it to be registered by the time the Bill is signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“I will now touch on the Computerized Cadastre System. The relevant Clauses of the Bill are very clear that the Bill will be effective once the President signs it into law. Section 19 of the Bill which touches on the Cadastre System however remains suspended until the installation of the Cadastre System has been completed. I want to express my disappointment in that regard. For the past five years, the Committee on Mines has been lobbying for the completion of the Cadastre System and all the time we have been assured that it was almost complete. Now we have started another year and there is still a lot of doubt on whether this technology will ever be there by the time the Bill is signed into law. Yes, it is highlighted in this Bill that the Computerized Cadastre System will be completed anytime soon, but “any time soon” is not a quantifiable measure of time, hence difficult to monitor and evaluate. Further, such language may not be necessary for a law that will survive for over 10 years to come. The Mining Cadastre Registry is very important in addressing some of the conflicts in the mining sector such as those relating to over-pegging, boundary disputes and so on. I am demanding that the Mining Cadastre Registry be finalized by the time this Bill is assented into law by His Excellency the President of the Republic,” Mkaratigwa said.

The implementation of the Mining Cadastre Information Management System is expected to be done by the end of this year. Speaking during the 2023 edition of the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba held in Cape Town, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando said the government has made a commitment to issue the cadastre system by December 2023.

The Mining Cadastre Portal provides an e-Government platform for all stakeholders in the mineral sector to engage directly with the mining commissioners who issue mining certificates. The aim of the Portal is to ensure international standards of transparency with an emphasis on improving the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.

The computerized cadastre Portal will be open for registrations for existing mineral titleholders who will have a period to verify and validate their individual mineral titles. Once verified, registered users will be able to view their portfolios and provide feedback on title data. Online applications and other portfolio management functionality will commence after the inauguration of the system.

Currently, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is flooded with several running disputes caused by over-pegging and double allocation of mining titles which at times results in chaos in the sector.

The introduction of the new mapping system is therefore expected to bring sanity to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, the Southern African country’s single largest foreign currency earner, and spur growth through that economic segment.

Advantages of the cadastre system

  • The computer-based cadastre system is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the administration of mining titles.
  • The cadastre system will have all records of interest in the land such as licence holders’ rights, restrictions and government activities.
  • The computerised mining register is also expected to be the central database for the storage of information on applications and licences.
  • It is also expected to reduce processing time for the issuance of mining titles and other mining services in line with best practices across the globe.
  • Currently, mining licence separations are marked on the ground by metal stakes, concrete beacons, or some other fixed points surveyed using conventional methods such as theodolite or archaic methods involving tape and chains. This method has been criticized for breeding corruption in the allocation of titles.
  • The cadastre system will therefore help curb corruption in the allocation of mining claims.

India announces discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium

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India announces discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium

The Indian Ministry of Mines reported the discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium ore on their Twitter on Thursday.

This deposit alone makes India the country with the fifth-largest lithium reserves in the world. The deposit lies in the Reasi district in the provinces of Jammu and Kashmir.

Lithium is used in the production of batteries for electronic vehicles (EVs), solar panels and electronic devices. Production of minerals necessary for the clean energy transition could increase by as much as 500% between 2020 and 2050 according to the World Bank.

According to the International Lithium Association, demand is set to increase 6-fold between 2021 and 2040, due to growing interest in EVs and renewable technologies.

This is the first major discovery of lithium in India with the only other being a small deposit of 1600 tonnes found in Karnataka two years ago.

As India seeks to become a major competitor in the development of EVs this discovery could improve their standing.

India is currently reliant on imports of lithium for its manufacturing sector, principally from Argentina, Chile and Australia. Imported lithium forms around 80% of the total lithium used in the country.

Discovery could break open the “lithium triangle”

This discovery could draw dominance away from the “lithium triangle”, made up of Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. Approximately, 75% of the world’s lithium supply lies beneath the salt flats of these three nations.

The Indian government has celebrated the discovery as part of president Modi’s movement towards “aatmanirbhar”, a slogan roughly translating to “self-reliance”.

While lithium is associated with efforts towards carbon neutrality, experts have cautioned against the environmental impacts of the mine itself. The Himalayan region between Jammu and Kashmir is an eco-sensitive region, mining could lead to a loss of biodiversity. Ecologically sensitive zones are designated by the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change in India. In these areas, often surrounding national parks, commercial activities are restricted to ensure their protection.

Source: Mining technology

Gold buying prices Tuesday 14 February 2023

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Gold buying prices Tuesday 14 February 2023

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices Tuesday 14 February 2023.

SG 90% AND ABOVE US$56.68/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$55.79/g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$55.19/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$54.60/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$53.70/g
FIRE ASSAY CASH US$56.68/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.

Gwanda miners die in mine shaft collapse

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Gwanda miners die in mine shaft collapse

Three small-scale miners died in Gwanda after their mine shaft collapsed yesterday.

By the time of going to print yesterday, Police had retrieved two bodies in the afternoon while the search for the other continued.

Although Government official confirmation could not be obtained yesterday, the Matabeleland South chairman of the Small Scale Miners Philemon Mokuele confirmed in a message to Mat South miners.

“We had a fatal accident: one of our small-scale miners in the Dubane area, Gwanda, Three miners have been trapped underground, two bodies were retrieved, unfortunately, one body is still underground,” he said.

Mokuele said another miner, William Smith had provided an excavator to help retrieve the remaining body.

“The excavator doesn’t have fuel, we are kindly appealing for diesel donations for the excavator as a matter of emergency. Those who are willing to donate can contact the following numbers 0785732825,” said Mokuele.

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Zim to reach seven million diamond carats in 2023

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Zim to reach seven million diamond carats in 2023

The country is well on course to reach seven million diamond carats thereby playing a significant role towards the achievement of the US$12 billion industry, Minister Winston Chitando has said.

Rudairo Mapuranga

According to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, the country’s three active diamond producers are targeting to produce 7 million carats of diamonds in 2023 as the sector looks forward to the attainment of the US$1 billion annual revenue.

“The three active diamond producers are on course to reach seven million carats production by the end of 2023, and this will play a role in the attainment of the US$12 billion target from the increased production,” Minister Chitando said.

According to the diamond policy, only four companies are permitted to mine diamonds in Zimbabwe these are RioZim Murowa diamonds, Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), Alrosa Zimbabwe and Anjin.

Only Alrosa Zimbabwe is currently not producing diamonds.

In 2021, Zimbabwe’s diamond production amounted to 4.2 million carats. This was an increase of around 55.5 per cent compared to the previous year. The country ranked eighth among the world’s largest diamond producers by volume.

The mining sector in Zimbabwe has grown by 100 per cent as the government envisions to see the country fetching US$12 billion from the sector by the end of this year.

Zimbabwe earned a total of US$5.4 billion in 2022 from the extractive industry which is a 100 per cent increase compared to the size of the sector before the second Republic in 2017.

The Mining industry also nearly doubled earnings in 2021 fetching US$5.2 billion with projections by the Ministry of Finance indicating that mining earnings will reach US$7.3 billion in the year 2022, achieving 60.8 per cent of the US$12 billion target for 2023.

The mining sector, which is expected to anchor short to medium-term growth, generates more than three-quarters of the country’s annual export earnings. Zimbabwe has over 60 commercially exploitable miners.

Key minerals mined in mineral-rich Zimbabwe, apart from diamonds, include platinum group metals (PGMs), nickel, chrome, gold, coal and lithium, among others.

KP Chairmanship to help attainment of US$1 billion diamond industry

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KP Chairmanship to help attainment of US$1 billion diamond industry

The attainment of the country’s vision to see the diamond industry fetching US$1 annual revenue by end of this year is well on course with the Kimberly Process (KP) Chairmanship expected to play a leading role in the attainment of the target, a government Minister has said.

Rudairo Mapuranga

As chair, Zimbabwe will oversee the implementation of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) and operations of the working groups, Committees and administration that activate the KP. The Republic of Zimbabwe will be deputized by the United Arab Emirates who will be the KP Vice Chair for 2023.

According to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando leading the KPCS will see the country have an impact on the global diamond market thereby debunking the mysteries of diamond sourcing.

He said the assumption of the chairmanship is a positive step and a vote of confidence in the Zimbabwe mining industry.

“The diamond market is sensitive to the perceptions of the origins of the mineral, and, as such, Zimbabwe will benefit through a positive market perception of our diamonds.

“Leading the KPCS presents an opportunity for the country to have an impact on the global diamond market.

“The diamond sector in Zimbabwe will grow significantly from the opportunities the chairmanship of the KPCS will present to the country.

“The attainment of a US$1 billion diamond sector economy is well on course, with the KP chairmanship definitely going to help in the attainment of the target,” Hon Chitando said.

The KPCS is a global body created under the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56.

It is responsible for the eradication of conflict diamonds from the global trade in diamonds.

The takeover of the KP Chairmanship will see the country leading the scheme in 2023. Zimbabwe has promised to leave a lasting legacy and a positive impact on the KP.

Stakeholders in the diamond sector have already expressed optimism about the country assuming the chairmanship of the KP stating that the assumption of the chairmanship will help in demystifying the mischievous agenda of trying to red-flag the country’s diamonds.

The year 2023 is the KP reform year where a host of changes are expected including conflict diamonds definition, implementation of tripartite arrangements in participating countries and strengthening of best practices for Artisanal and Small scale mining in diamond-producing regions among others.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe renowned Diamond Buying Consultant Cute Machekeche said the assumption of the chairmanship of the KP will have a positive effect on all stakeholders, and the country will significantly benefit from its God-given resource.

“The assumption of the chairmanship of the Kimberly process will impact positively on all stakeholders. Firstly it will demystify the mischievous agenda of categorizing our stones as blood diamonds. The direct impact of this will be increased competition leading to the realisation of market values on trades. The market value will stimulate the following benefits inter-alia;

“i. Increased production by miners leading to better economic performance and drive toward the target of 12 billion by 2030.

“ii. Increased foreign currency inflows which will resultantly oil the other sectors of the economy as well as enhance the country’s balance of trade.

“iii. Increased economic activity leading to increased inflows by way of taxes and royalties. This will augment the extensive national development agenda and drive towards turning Zimbabwe into a middle-income economy by 2030.

“iv. Increased potential investments and tourists as more diamond buyers will have a clearer view of the jewel that Zimbabwe is,” he said.

Blanket solar plant generating more power than anticipated

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Blanket solar plant generating more power than anticipated

Victoria Falls Stock Exchange-listed gold-focused miner Caledonia Mining Corporation has announced that its 12 MW ac solar plant which was connected at Blanket Mine last year in November is operating better than expected and is generating slightly more power than was anticipated.

Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Caledonia CEO Mark Learmonth recognising the economic, environmental, and logistical challenges of running large-scale diesel generators for extended periods, Caledonia constructed a 12 MWac solar plant which is generating slightly more power than was anticipated, it currently provides approximately 27 per cent of Blanket’s average daily electricity demand.

He said in recent months there has also been a substantial improvement in the supply of power from the Zimbabwe grid which has substantially reduced the amount of diesel consumed and has reduced the frequency of interruptions to production.

“The completion of the solar project coincides with an improvement in the supply of power from the Zimbabwe grid which has substantially reduced the amount of diesel consumed. As an initial early-stage indicator, in January 2023, Blanket consumed 18,000 litres of diesel, which compares to approximately 120,000 litres per month for the whole of 2022. Whilst we can’t be certain that this quantum of improvement will be fully maintained as they ear progresses, we are confident that we will continue to see an ongoing meaningful reduction to our diesel us age month on month, fully justifying our investment in solar power and delivering on our ESG strategy,” Learmonth said.

Zimbabwe to start operating new coal power unit by March

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Zimbabwe to start operating new coal power unit by March

Zimbabwe will start operating a new unit at its only coal-fired power plant by March, the country’s deputy energy minister, Magna Mudyiwa, said on Wednesday, 8 February, providing relief to millions of citizens rocked by frequent power outages in recent months.

The new unit of the Hwange power plant will lift the African nation’s installed capacity by more than 14% to 2,400 megawatts (MW). The next unit is expected to be commissioned soon after, Mudyiwa said, without giving a timeline.

Less than half of Zimbabwe’s 16 million citizens have access to electricity, and a global squeeze on funding new coal-fired capacity has limited the country’s ability to plug chronic power cuts that have lasted as long as 18 hours in recent days.

Electricity generation

“We have the capacity to generate up to 2,100MW from our power sources but at the moment we’re generating far less than that..about 1,000MW,” Mudyiwa told Reuters.

“But our demand for electricity is about 1,700MW so we have a serious deficit,” she said.

Deficient rainfall has led to a decline in hydropower generation, while the efficiency of the sole, decades-old coal-fired utility has dipped sharply over time while power demand has surged in recent years due to higher mining and agricultural activity.

The International Monetary Fund counts electricity shortages as one of the major factors weighing Zimbabwe’s growth prospects.

Lack of funding for coal-fired power is driving the mining and agriculture-dependent economy to import costly power from regional neighbours including Zambia and Mozambique.

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