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Government Gives Mining Title Holders Until 30 August 2026 to Regularise Outstanding Obligations

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Government Gives Mining Title Holders Until 30 August 2026 to Regularise Outstanding Obligations

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has issued a public notice calling on all holders of mining titles and mining operators to regularise their outstanding obligations by 30 August 2026, warning that failure to comply could result in the forfeiture of mining rights, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

The notice, issued by Permanent Secretary Dr Thomas U. Wushe on 10 July 2026, and posted on the ministry’s social media, forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance, improve sector governance, and maximise revenue collection from the mining industry.

According to the Ministry, mining title holders and operators are required to settle any outstanding obligations within the stipulated timeframe. Stakeholders have also been advised to visit their respective Provincial Mining Offices to obtain invoices and clarify any outstanding payments or compliance requirements.

The Ministry warned that failure to regularise obligations by the deadline may result in the forfeiture of mining titles, signalling a tougher approach towards non-compliant operators as authorities seek to improve accountability across the sector.

The development comes as Zimbabwe continues to implement reforms aimed at modernising mining administration, improving regulatory compliance, and creating a more transparent and efficient mining sector.

The Ministry has identified five interconnected strategic pillars guiding the transformation of the mining industry:

  • Resource Identification and Geological Mapping
  • Value Addition and Beneficiation
  • Modernised Governance and Regulatory Framework
  • Formalisation and Empowerment
  • Sustainability and Revenue Maximisation

The call to regularise outstanding obligations aligns with the government’s broader objective of formalising mining operations and ensuring that all title holders meet their legal and financial obligations.

Industry observers say the notice serves as a reminder that compliance remains a critical requirement for maintaining mining rights, particularly as Zimbabwe accelerates efforts to strengthen governance and unlock greater value from its mineral resources.

Mining operators are therefore encouraged to engage with provincial mining offices ahead of the 30 August deadline to avoid penalties and ensure their operations remain in good standing.

The latest compliance drive comes at a time when the government is pursuing ambitious growth targets for the mining sector, which remains Zimbabwe’s largest source of export earnings and a key pillar of economic development.

Mine Entra 2026 to Unlock New Opportunities for Mining Suppliers and Service Providers

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Mine Entra 2026 to Unlock New Opportunities for Mining Suppliers and Service Providers

Zimbabwe’s mining industry is generating growing demand for specialised equipment, engineering solutions, technology, and support services as mining companies seek to improve efficiency and expand operations, setting the stage for the 28th edition of Mine Entra, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

The mining, engineering, and transport expo will be held from 29 to 31 July 2026 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, bringing together mining companies, equipment suppliers, manufacturers, service providers, investors, and policymakers from across the sector.

This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation Through Mining Value Chains,” placing focus on the wider ecosystem that supports mineral production, including suppliers, contractors, manufacturers, and technology providers.

The theme comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s mining industry is increasingly looking beyond mineral extraction, with greater attention being placed on developing stronger linkages between mining operations and local businesses that provide goods and services to the sector.

As companies pursue increased production, improved operational performance, and value addition, demand for reliable suppliers, engineering expertise, and innovative technologies has become a critical part of sustaining mining growth.

The shift has created opportunities for businesses offering solutions across areas such as mining equipment, automation, mineral processing, transport, engineering, and specialised technical services.

Against this backdrop, Mine Entra 2026 is expected to provide exhibitors with an opportunity to showcase their capabilities, engage directly with industry players, and explore partnerships across the mining value chain.

As mining companies continue to seek solutions that can improve productivity, reduce operational costs, and strengthen supply chains, organisers say the exhibition will provide a platform for businesses across the sector to connect and explore emerging opportunities.

Speaking in a recent interview, ZITF Company Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager Thandolwenkosi Nkomo said Mine Entra continues to provide a platform for investment, innovation, and business partnerships across Zimbabwe’s mining value chain.

He said the exhibition facilitates engagements between industry players, investors, and policymakers while showcasing technologies shaping the future of mining.

“This year’s Mine Entra will bring together key stakeholders from across the mining value chain to explore investment opportunities, strengthen local participation, and promote innovation that supports sustainable growth in the sector,” said Nkomo.

Nkomo said organisers were also placing greater emphasis on ensuring that local manufacturers, engineering firms, transport companies, and small-to-medium enterprises benefit from opportunities created through the mining industry.

The push for stronger participation by local businesses mirrors a broader shift within the mining sector, where companies are increasingly relying on domestic suppliers for equipment, maintenance, logistics, technical services, and other operational requirements.

Beyond the exhibition floor, Mine Entra has become a key meeting point for companies seeking to build relationships, identify business opportunities, and engage with decision-makers across Zimbabwe’s mining industry.

For exhibitors, the event provides an opportunity to position their brands in front of mining stakeholders while demonstrating how their products and services can contribute to improving productivity, efficiency, and sustainability within the sector.

With mining continuing to anchor Zimbabwe’s economy, Mine Entra 2026 is expected to highlight the growing importance of the businesses and technologies supporting the industry beyond the mine gate.

#MineEntra2026 #MiningZimbabwe #MiningSuppliers #MiningTechnology #MiningServices #LocalContent #MiningIndustry #MiningInvestment #ValueAddition #ZimbabweMining

Mining Communities See Accountability Shift as Companies, Regulators Respond to Concerns, ZELO

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Mining Communities See Accountability Shift as Companies, Regulators Respond to Concerns, ZELO
Across Zimbabwe’s mining districts, communities have long raised concerns over environmental damage, land displacement, dust pollution and the social impacts associated with extraction activities. However, findings from the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation’s (ZELO) 2025 extractives programme suggest a shift in how these concerns are being handled, with authorities and mining companies increasingly taking action in response to issues raised by affected communities, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
According to ZELO’s 2025 Annual Report, the organisation recorded a 120% performance rate in duty bearer responsiveness during the reporting period under its extractives and mining programme. The indicator tracks the proportion of stakeholders and duty bearers taking action to promote Environmental Economic Social and Cultural Rights (EESCRs), transparency and accountability. Against a target of 20 stakeholders, 14 duty bearers demonstrated tangible responsiveness to community concerns.
The figure points to a growing role for communities in influencing decisions around mining activities, moving away from a situation where residents were often left with limited avenues to seek remedies when affected by extraction-related impacts. This shift is significant given that mining remains the backbone of Zimbabwe’s export earnings, with the country pushing to expand production and attract investment in strategic commodities such as gold, lithium and platinum group metals. Questions around environmental protection, community participation and equitable benefits continue to shape debates around responsible mining, making the responsiveness of duty bearers a critical measure of progress.
According to the report, community-generated evidence played an increasingly important role in influencing responses from key institutions, including the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Rural District Councils and the Forestry Commission. In some cases, complaints raised by communities resulted in direct regulatory action. EMA halted mining operations at three sites following concerns raised by residents, including activities around Vhuta Primary School in Goromonzi, mining sites in Buhera and the Tianling operation in Cromlet. These interventions highlight the growing importance of community monitoring in identifying environmental risks and ensuring that regulatory authorities respond to concerns on the ground.
Beyond regulatory action, local authorities also addressed long-standing grievances. In Buhera, the Rural District Council compensated relocated families with 1,920 metres of outstanding land, responding to a complaint that had persisted for years. In Goromonzi, the District Development Coordinator engaged private sector players to address dust pollution concerns through road rehabilitation initiatives. These actions demonstrate that responsiveness is not limited to enforcement but extends to resolving community disputes and improving living conditions.
Mining companies also took steps to address community needs through social support programmes. Sabi Gold Mine drilled two boreholes, supplied more than 274 benches and chairs to schools and supported learners through scholastic assistance programmes. These corporate social responsibility initiatives reflect a growing recognition among companies that maintaining positive relationships with surrounding communities is essential for operational stability.
For communities, these changes represent a move towards greater participation in decisions affecting their environment and livelihoods. Tsitsi Matumba, a community monitor from Zvishavane, captured this sentiment: “The biggest change is that a significant number of duty bearers and mining companies now listen. They now meaningfully engage us, especially under Canada 64 and 65.” Her remarks underline a broader transformation in which communities are shifting from passive recipients of mining impacts to active agents capable of influencing outcomes.
ZELO said the increased responsiveness demonstrates progress in strengthening accountability between communities, government institutions and mining companies. The organisation noted that evidence collected by communities is increasingly informing decisions around environmental management, social impacts and resource governance. This has improved inter-agency coordination and fostered trust between communities and authorities, according to the report.
The extractives programme assessed progress across four areas: citizen action, duty bearer responsiveness, policy participation and policy outcomes. ZELO reported performance levels of 137% in citizen action, 120% in duty bearer responsiveness, 98% in policy participation and 100% in policy action outcomes during 2025. In terms of citizen action, 274 community members were engaged against a target of 200, achieving a 137% rate. These community monitors undertook 45 documented actions, including reporting 35 cases of mining-related violence, stopping illegal mining activities at multiple sites and conducting accountability meetings across Mutoko, Buhera, Zvishavane and Goromonzi.
The organisation’s findings suggest that community participation is becoming an important measure of responsible mining, particularly as Zimbabwe seeks to balance mineral development with environmental and social considerations. As the country’s mining sector enters a new phase of expansion, the ability of communities to influence decisions affecting their surroundings could become a defining factor in determining whether growth in mineral production translates into sustainable development.
Looking ahead, ZELO said the evolving policy landscape presents strategic opportunities to deepen its impact in 2026. The Mines and Minerals Bill, the Community Economic Empowerment Trusts (CEET) framework and decentralised by-law development are among the key policy processes that will shape the future of mining governance in Zimbabwe.

Coke Producers Petition Government Over 3% Levy

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Coke Producers Petition Government Over 3% Levy

The Coke Manufacturers Association of Zimbabwe (CMAZ) has officially petitioned the Ministry of Finance, demanding the removal or reduction of the newly imposed 3% levy on coal sales and exports, warning that the tax threatens to undo years of progress in coal beneficiation, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The petition, filed under Section 149 of the Constitution, which grants citizens and corporate entities the right to petition Parliament to enact, amend, or repeal legislation, comes just weeks after the levy took effect on 1 January 2026 under the Finance Act No. 7 of 2025.

What the Coke Producers Are Saying

In their letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, the CMAZ outlined six key concerns, arguing that the levy creates an unsustainable burden on an industry already operating on thin margins.

Double Taxation Claims

The association argues that the 3% gross levy effectively constitutes double taxation. Coke manufacturers already pay mineral royalties, corporate income tax, VAT, the 3% AIDS levy, withholding tax, coal export permit fees, Ministry of Mines lease fees, ZIDA licence fees, and various local authority levies. Adding a 3% gross sales and export levy creates an unsustainable “tax-on-tax” system that suffocates operational margins and erodes cash flows.

Penalising Beneficiation

The most striking contradiction, according to the CMAZ, is that the levy penalises the very beneficiation policy the government claims to champion under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). Coke manufacturers purchase raw coal, convert and process it into high-grade metallurgical coke vital for regional steel manufacturing and copper smelting. By imposing the 3% levy on gross sales and exports, the government is effectively taxing the processing of raw coal into high-value coke.

Regional Competitiveness Threat

Zimbabwe’s coal producers rely heavily on regional markets such as Zambia, the DRC, and South Africa. The CMAZ argues that the 3% levy increases the landed cost of Zimbabwean coal, making it less competitive against regional suppliers at a time when the market is already depressed and profit margins are low.

Domestic Power Sector Impact

The bulk of local coal feeds the Hwange Thermal Power Station, which supplies electricity across the country. A 3% domestic sales levy significantly increases production costs, which could ultimately raise national electricity tariffs and consumer goods prices. The CMAZ notes that while the government is committed to improving the energy sector and reducing compliance costs, maintaining a high 3% gross levy contradicts these national policy objectives.

The Coke Manufacturers Association has “humbly requested the reduction of the levy or, alternatively, an exemption through the removal of the 3% levy on the local sale and/or export of all beneficiated, processed, and value-added coal derivatives.”

The petition represents a coordinated industry pushback against a fiscal policy that, according to producers, punishes success rather than encouraging the value addition that Zimbabwe desperately needs. Whether the government will heed this call remains to be seen, but the CMAZ has made it clear: the levy, as currently structured, threatens the very beneficiation drive it is supposedly designed to support.

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 14 July 2026

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Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 14 July 2026

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 14 July 2026, from the official gold buyer and exporter, Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

1 oz = 31.1035 g

CategoryPrice (US$/g)Price (US$/oz)
SG 90% and Above120.463,746.92
SG 85% but Less Than 90%119.193,707.42
SG 80% but Less Than 85%117.913,667.61
SG 75% but Less Than 80%116.643,628.11
Sample (5–10 g)114.733,568.70
Fire Assay (Cash)121.103,766.83

 

Note: The Fire Assay cash price applies to gold above 100g, with no sample deduction.

A sample of not more than 10g is deducted for the Fire Assay Transfer price.

#GoldPrices #GoldBuying #GoldMarket #GoldTrading #GoldRate #GoldPriceToday #GoldNews #PreciousMetals #GoldIndustry #GoldEconomy #FidelityGoldRefinery

Gold Drives Zimbabwe Exports as Mining Dominates Trade

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Gold Drives Zimbabwe Exports as Mining Dominates Trade
  • Zimbabwe’s Export Economy Remains Mining-Driven as Gold Maintains Structural Dominance in May 2026 Trade

Zimbabwe’s export earnings reached US$884 million in May 2026, with the latest ZIMSTAT external trade data confirming that the country’s external sector remains firmly anchored on mining, particularly gold, which continues to define both the scale and structure of national export performance, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

Semi-manufactured gold accounted for US$464 million, or 52.5% of total exports during the month, reinforcing its position as the single most important driver of foreign currency inflows. Rather than representing a short-term spike, the figures reflect a long-established structural reliance on bullion within Zimbabwe’s export basket.

A significant share of these flows continues to move through offshore trading systems, with the United Arab Emirates absorbing US$448.7 million of Zimbabwe’s exports in May.

The UAE, particularly Dubai, remains a central global bullion aggregation and re-export hub, where Zimbabwean gold is channelled into broader Asian and European demand markets through established precious metals trading infrastructure.

South Africa imported US$201.4 million worth of goods from Zimbabwe, while China accounted for US$112.8 million. Collectively, the three destinations absorbed about 86% of total export earnings, underscoring a persistently narrow and concentrated export market structure.

Mining Basket Remains Dominated by Primary and Semi-Processed Output

Beyond gold, Zimbabwe’s export composition continues to reflect a resource-driven economy with limited downstream value addition. Nickel mattes contributed 14.3% of exports, tobacco 7.1%, ferro-chromium 3.4%, coke and semi-coke 2.2%, and industrial diamonds 1.4%.

While the basket reflects the country’s broad mineral base and agricultural exports, the structure remains heavily weighted toward primary and semi-processed commodities, with beneficiation still limited across most mining value chains.

Beneficiation Gap Continues to Limit Export Value Realisation

The dominance of primary and semi-processed commodities in Zimbabwe’s export basket highlights the limited depth of beneficiation across the mining sector, despite sustained output growth.

At present, a significant portion of mineral exports—including gold in semi-manufactured form, nickel mattes, and ferro-chromium—leaves the country with minimal in-country value addition. This structure means Zimbabwe primarily captures upstream value, while downstream refining, alloy production, and final manufacturing occur offshore.

In practical terms, beneficiation would increase the share of minerals processed domestically before export. For gold, this would involve expanded refining capacity to produce higher-purity bullion and downstream jewellery inputs locally. In base metals, deeper processing into refined nickel, stainless steel feedstock, and ferroalloy products would significantly increase export value per unit and deepen industrial linkages.

The absence of extensive downstream processing also limits the sector’s ability to cushion export earnings from global commodity price volatility. Raw and semi-processed commodities are directly priced off international benchmarks, while value-added products typically command more stable pricing and capture higher margins within global supply chains.

As a result, despite strong export performance led by mining, Zimbabwe continues to operate within a value-constrained model where earnings growth is driven more by commodity prices than by beneficiation-led expansion of export categories.

Gold Remains the Structural Anchor of Export Performance

Gold’s dominance is not a recent development but a firmly embedded feature of Zimbabwe’s external sector. Its share of monthly exports has risen from around 20% in the early 2020s to approximately 35% by 2022, before crossing the 50% threshold following the global gold price surge in 2023.

Since then, gold has stabilised in the 50%–55% range through 2025 and 2026, reinforcing its position as the principal driver of export earnings.

Over the same period, total monthly exports have increased from US$283 million in January 2021 to US$884 million in May 2026, a rise of more than 200%. However, this growth is largely attributable to elevated global commodity prices rather than structural diversification of the export base.

Gold Outlook Adds New Layer of Structural Exposure

While ZIMSTAT data reflects the current state of Zimbabwe’s export economy, global gold forecasts introduce a forward-looking dimension that further highlights both opportunity and vulnerability.

Institutional projections show a wide dispersion of outcomes for gold over the medium term.

Conservative forecasts from major banks such as HSBC and CIBC suggest prices stabilising in a broad range between US$3,600 and US$4,700 per ounce by 2030, implying sustained but moderating support after recent highs.

In contrast, more aggressive scenario-based models from firms such as Incrementum AG, Rockefeller International, and Deutsche Bank project potential moves toward US$8,000–US$10,000 per ounce by the end of the decade, driven by de-dollarisation trends, elevated global debt, and increased central bank demand.

For Zimbabwe, the implication is not certainty in direction but heightened exposure to external pricing regimes. In the near term, elevated gold prices provide strong support for export earnings, foreign currency inflows, and external stability.

However, the same dependence means export performance is increasingly shaped by global bullion cycles rather than domestic industrial expansion. Under a lower or stabilising price scenario, growth momentum could slow significantly due to the absence of a diversified export base capable of absorbing shocks. Conversely, in a sustained high-price environment, earnings may rise further but without necessarily translating into structural transformation.

Mining-Led Growth Remains Exposed to Global Cycles

Despite strong export performance, Zimbabwe’s external account remains highly sensitive to global commodity cycles, particularly gold and base metals.

With gold now accounting for more than half of total export earnings, fluctuations in bullion prices have a disproportionate impact on national trade performance.

The limited presence of manufacturing, high-value processing, and services exports constrains the economy’s ability to absorb and smooth external shocks.

Kwesu to Outline Zimbabwe’s Mining Investment Opportunities at African Mining Week 2026

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Kwesu to Outline Zimbabwe’s Mining Investment Opportunities at African Mining Week 2026

Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer, Mr Isaac Kwesu, will outline investment opportunities emerging from the country’s mining sector reforms at the African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, scheduled for Cape Town in October.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

As African countries advance reforms to unlock new mineral discoveries and strengthen mining investment, chambers of mines are playing an increasingly important role in connecting governments, investors, and industry. Through policy advocacy, regulatory engagement, and investment promotion, these organisations are helping shape the continent’s next phase of mining development.

Zimbabwe offers a prime example of this expanding role. The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe has become an increasingly influential voice in addressing production constraints, including power shortages and foreign exchange challenges. Its recommendations align with recent government initiatives to expand coal-fired power generation, increase coal production, and achieve 10% mining sector growth in 2026.

AMW 2026 will feature a dedicated Zimbabwe Country Spotlight, showcasing lucrative opportunities across the country’s mining value chain. The spotlight will bring together investors, service providers, and senior decision-makers from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, and leading mining companies.

Kwesu will join senior policymakers — including Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Deputy Governor Dr Innocent Matshe — to discuss investment opportunities and the policy reforms needed to unlock Zimbabwe’s next phase of mining growth.

The engagement comes as Zimbabwe seeks fresh capital to unlock value from more than 60 known mineral occurrences spanning gold, lithium, platinum group metals, chrome, coal, and rare earths.

In a major move to improve investment competitiveness, Zimbabwe reduced mining-related licence and permit fees in May 2026, lowering operational costs for investors while streamlining market participation. Registration fees for dealing in precious stones have been reduced from US$15,000 to US$10,000, while export permit fees have been cut from US$1,875 to US$500. New licensing categories — including permits for gold jewellery manufacturing and lithium processing plants — have also been introduced.

The reduction in fees for beneficiation projects follows the April 2026 introduction of export quotas for lithium concentrates ahead of a planned 2027 ban on concentrate exports. The shift is already reshaping the country’s lithium industry, with Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt achieving Zimbabwe’s first export shipment of lithium sulphate in April 2026.

Zimbabwe’s gold sector is also positioned for renewed growth amid sustained high global gold prices averaging US$5,000 per ounce. The country’s sovereign wealth fund, Mutapa Investment Fund, is seeking US$250 million to expand gold mining operations.

Artisanal Mining Formalisation

AMW 2026’s emphasis on artisanal and small-scale mining formalisation aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s national mining development strategy. In May 2026, Zimbabwe certified 300 small-scale miners following the completion of training programmes on safety, compliance, and productivity. Supported by funding from Mutapa Gold Resources — a subsidiary of Mutapa Investment Fund — the initiative aims to train and formalise 1,500 ASM players.

“AMW 2026 offers a timely platform for investors to engage with one of Africa’s most prospective brownfield gold markets and explore opportunities across exploration, mine expansion, and processing infrastructure,” Energy Capital & Power said in a statement.

As the official platform where Africa’s mining opportunities are discussed and maximised, AMW 2026 will provide stakeholders with market intelligence on Zimbabwe’s evolving mining landscape and investment outlook.

Zimbabwe Copper Output Slumps 52% as Global Copper Boom Creates Pressure to Revive Production

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Zimbabwe Copper Output Slumps 52% as Global Copper Boom Creates Pressure to Revive Production

Zimbabwe’s copper production more than halved in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the challenges facing the country’s base metal sector at a time when global demand for the metal is rising and prices remain supportive, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

Data from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Research Department shows copper output fell to 1,216 metric tonnes in Q1 2026, down 52% from 2,561.78 tonnes produced during the same period in 2025.

The decline places copper among the minerals that have recorded significant production setbacks despite Zimbabwe’s broader mining sector continuing to benefit from favourable commodity prices, with gold and lithium remaining the biggest contributors to mineral export earnings.

Copper’s weak performance also reflects a sharp decline compared with recent production levels. In 2024, Zimbabwe produced 3,689 tonnes in the first quarter, followed by 2,961 tonnes in Q2, 3,547 tonnes in Q3, and 2,752 tonnes in Q4.

At 1,216 tonnes, production during the opening quarter of 2026 was nearly two-thirds below the 3,689 tonnes recorded in Q1 2024, highlighting the extent of the sector’s decline.

However, the quarterly figures mask some improvement towards the end of the period, with monthly production showing signs of recovery.

Copper output started the year at 353 tonnes in January before declining to 260 tonnes in February. Production then rebounded strongly in March, reaching 601 tonnes, the highest monthly output recorded during the quarter.

The March recovery, which saw production more than double from the previous month, provides an early indication that output pressures may be easing. If sustained, the improvement could support stronger production in subsequent quarters.

The potential recovery comes at a crucial time for copper markets. The metal has become increasingly important globally due to its role in electrification, renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and expanding power networks.

Copper prices have remained elevated, trading at around US$13,800 per tonne in July 2026, while analysts at Macquarie raised their 2026 average copper price forecast to US$13,165 per tonne.

Although the global market is expected to experience short-term surpluses, the long-term outlook for copper remains positive, with demand expected to grow as economies invest in energy transition infrastructure.

For Zimbabwe, the current market environment presents an opportunity to rebuild a copper industry that has declined significantly over the past decades and expand its mineral export base beyond gold, platinum group metals, and lithium.

Copper was once a more prominent contributor to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, with historical data showing production reaching around 16,000 tonnes in 1990 before a prolonged decline driven by mine closures, underinvestment, and operational challenges.

The contrast between historical output and current production highlights the challenge facing Zimbabwe: translating its mineral resource base into sustained production growth at a time when copper is emerging as one of the world’s most strategic industrial metals.

As countries compete to secure supplies of minerals needed for the energy transition, increasing copper output could provide Zimbabwe with an opportunity to strengthen its role in global critical mineral supply chains.

However, unlocking that potential will require sustained investment, exploration, and improved production capacity. While the March rebound offers an encouraging signal, restoring Zimbabwe’s copper sector to previous levels will depend on whether producers can maintain growth beyond short-term improvements.

From Extraction to Value Chains: Why Mine Entra 2026 Matters for Zimbabwe’s Economic Transformation

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From Extraction to Value Chains: Why Mine Entra 2026 Matters for Zimbabwe’s Economic Transformation

Zimbabwe’s mining sector is entering a defining phase, with growing urgency to move beyond raw mineral extraction towards building integrated value chains that support industrialisation, job creation and long-term economic growth. Against this backdrop, Mine Entra 2026, scheduled for 29–31 July at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo, is emerging as a critical platform for translating ambition into economic reality.

By ZITF Staff Writer

Held under the theme “Unearth, Transform, Prosper – Anchoring Economic Transformation Through Mining Value Chains,” the event reflects a deliberate national shift towards beneficiation, stronger local supply chains, and enhanced global competitiveness in mining.

A Platform at a Strategic Moment

Mining remains central to Zimbabwe’s economic prospects, but the sector’s role is evolving. Increasingly, the focus is on retaining value within the country by strengthening links between mineral extraction, processing, and downstream industries.

Mine Entra 2026 is important because it brings together key decision-makers—government, industry, investors, and suppliers—at a time when alignment across these stakeholders is essential. The event’s design, incorporating exhibitions and targeted side conferences on infrastructure, beneficiation, and exploration, reflects an effort to address the full mining ecosystem rather than isolated challenges.

The Critical Issues in Focus

The significance of Mine Entra lies in its ability to elevate the structural issues that will determine whether Zimbabwe’s value chain ambitions are achievable.

Infrastructure remains a central concern. The viability of beneficiation depends heavily on reliable energy supply, efficient transport systems, and industrial capacity. Dedicated discussions on electricity, road, and rail systems signal recognition that these fundamentals must be addressed to unlock competitiveness.

Beneficiation and value addition will also dominate discussions. While policy direction is clear, questions remain around cost structures, market access, and the investment frameworks required to make local processing viable.

The integration of local suppliers and SMEs into mining value chains is another key priority. Expanding local content is expected to drive broader economic participation, but this will depend on access to finance, technical capacity, and procurement opportunities within large-scale mining operations.

Equally important is the mobilisation of investment capital, particularly for exploration, infrastructure, and processing. Mine Entra is expected to facilitate structured engagement aimed at unlocking investment and strengthening business linkages across the sector.

From Engagement to Outcomes

Beyond dialogue, stakeholders are increasingly focused on outcomes. The success of Mine Entra 2026 will be assessed by its ability to generate tangible results—investment commitments, supplier contracts, infrastructure partnerships, and measurable progress in beneficiation initiatives.

The event is expected to strengthen business engagement, increase participation across the mining ecosystem, and enhance Zimbabwe’s visibility as an investment destination within global mineral value chains.

ZITF Leadership Emphasises Execution

ZITF Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager, Thandolwenkosi Nkomo, said Mine Entra 2026 represents a critical opportunity to reposition the mining sector within the broader industrialisation agenda.

“Mine Entra 2026 is strategically positioned to support Zimbabwe’s transition from a resource-based economy to one anchored on value creation and industrial growth. The focus is on aligning stakeholders around practical solutions that unlock investment, strengthen value chains and enhance the sector’s global competitiveness.”

He added that the conference and exhibition seek to confront the structural issues that define competitiveness.

“This is not just about showcasing capabilities. It is about addressing the constraints—energy, infrastructure, investment readiness, and supply chain capacity—and developing practical pathways to unlock value. The success of Mine Entra will ultimately be measured by what happens after the event.”

A Test of Readiness

As Zimbabwe seeks to position itself within increasingly competitive global mineral markets, Mine Entra 2026 will serve as both a platform and a test.

Its importance lies not only in bringing stakeholders together, but in its ability to drive alignment around the systems required to support transformation—linking resources to industry, policy to investment, and ambition to execution.

This focus will determine if the shift from extraction to value chains remains a strategic vision—or becomes a tangible economic reality for Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

#MineEntra2026 #MiningZimbabwe #Beneficiation #ValueAddition #MiningInvestment #Industrialisation #MiningValueChains #ZimbabweMining #MiningIndustry #EconomicTransformation

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 13 July 2026

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Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 13 July 2026

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 13 July 2026, from the official gold buyer and exporter, Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

1 oz = 31.1035 g

CategoryPrice (US$/g)Price (US$/oz)
SG 90% and Above121.613,782.09
SG 85% but Less Than 90%120.323,741.97
SG 80% but Less Than 85%119.043,702.17
SG 75% but Less Than 80%117.753,662.04
Sample (5–10 g)115.823,602.00
Fire Assay (Cash)122.263,802.31

 

Note: The Fire Assay cash price applies to gold above 100g, with no sample deduction.

A sample of not more than 10g is deducted for the Fire Assay Transfer price.

#GoldPrices #GoldBuying #GoldMarket #GoldTrading #GoldRate #GoldPriceToday #GoldNews #PreciousMetals #GoldIndustry #GoldEconomy #FidelityGoldRefinery

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