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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.

Stakeholders ready to grace ZMF AGM

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Stakeholders ready to grace ZMF AGM

Stakeholders in the mining industry are ready to attend Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) annual general meeting (AGM) with a number expressing their excitement to join one of the biggest mining gatherings in the country.

Rudairo Mapuranga

The AGM which aims to discuss the policies affecting ASM operations and assess the implications on the growth of mining is running under the theme, “Responsible mining: A catalyst for sustainable development.”

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe Credsure Business Development Manager Health and Safety Paymore Mwale said his company was ready to support the growth and development of the artisanal and small-scale mining industry by providing financial solutions that will see the industry becoming a cash cow for the country.

“We have a partnership with ZMF, we have an MOU, the main reason is to improve the health and Safety of the small-scale miners. We are looking forward to the AGM and hoping it will address the issues we want to offer a solution to. We are here to improve the livelihoods of small-scale miners, we want them to employ financial models that will sustain them even after the life of mine,” Mwale said.

According to ZMF CEO Wellington Takavarasha Speakers at the AGM are going to address the concerns of the ASM industry, “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.”

Speaking to this publication Antimony Miners Association of Zimbabwe (AMAZ) Executive Director Munyaradzi Marwizi said his organization was eagerly and opportunistic that the conference is going to address issues to do with sustainable extraction and value addition and beneficiation of Critical minerals such as Antimony, Graphite, to mention a few.

“We hope for a firm commitment from the conference to develop a critical minerals strategy that will map a way forward for the sustainable extraction and beneficiation of niche mineral commodities such as antimony, tungsten and tantalite. It is our belief that if adequately supported these minor metals essential for the energy transition would significantly contribute to the attainment of the 12 billion mining economy goal by the end of 2023,” Munyaradzi Marwizi said.

Mining Research consultant Mr Lyman Mlambo said the AGM should address issues that have not been solved for a while.

“There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed for example the issue of Formalisation has been there for too long, EPOs and participation of small-scale miners in other sectors such as diamonds. The implications of statutory instruments that seem not to consider small-scale miners among other issues. We would want the AGM to address those issues,” Mlambo said.

3 appear in court for illegal gold mining

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3 appear in court for illegal gold mining

Three illegal gold miners appeared at Concession magistrates courts on Saturday on charges of prospecting for gold without a license at Manzou farm in Mazowe.

The three, Artwell  Chaitezwi  (30), Jeremiah Mdlalambi (33) and Clive Gosha (24)  appeared before Magistrate Joshua Nembaware

They were remanded in custody to Monday.

The state alleged on June 16 information was received at ZRP  Mazowe to the effect that they were accused persons carrying out illegal mining activities at the Manzou area near Mazowe Dam.

“ZRP Mazowe details reacted to the information where upon arrival at the scene, accused number one and two were seen in pits at about 3 metres in depth digging gold ore using chisels whereas accused three was loading the extracted gold ore in sacks,” read the court documents.

The state was represented by Ms Precious Khanye.

Byo24

Zimbabwe gold buying prices 16 June 2023

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Zimbabwe gold buying prices 16 June 2023

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices Friday 16 June 2023. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices for today.

SG 90% AND ABOVE US$59.63/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$58.68/g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$58.06/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$57.43/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$56.49/g
FIRE ASSAY CASH US$59.63/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.

Implats now owns 56.1% of RBPlat

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Implats now owns 56.1% of RBPlat

ZIMPLATS parent company, Impala Platinum (Implats) has announced that it has acquired an additional 0.08% of the share capital of Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPlat). With this acquisition, Implats now owns 56.1% of RBPlat’s shares in issue.

The platinum giant has been gradually increasing its shareholding in RBPlat since the end of 2021. The company’s recent acquisition of the Public Investment Corporation’s 9.2% shareholding in RBPlat is also part of its efforts to own RBPlat.

Interestingly, Northam Platinum had previously expressed interest in acquiring all of RBPlat’s shares. As it stands, Northam Platinum currently holds 35.4% of RBPlat’s shares in issue.

Implats has reportedly been eyeing RBPlat for several years and is said to view the acquisition of the company’s shares as a strategic move to expand its operations and increase its mining portfolio. RBPlat is one of the leading platinum producers in South Africa and owns several mining assets in the country.

The acquisition of RBPlat’s shares by Implats is expected to strengthen the company’s position in the platinum market, especially in South Africa where the majority of the world’s platinum is produced. In addition, it is hoped that the acquisition will lead to greater efficiency and productivity in the companies’ mining operations.

Implats has stated that it will continue to explore opportunities to increase its shareholding in RBPlat and expand its presence in the South African mining sector.

Galileo charges ahead with Kamativi lithium project

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Galileo charges ahead with Kamativi lithium project

Galileo Resources has started preparations for a drill programme over the Kamativi lithium/tin target, in Zimbabwe, where the company announced the discovery of a previously unknown lithium anomaly in soils and streams in March.

A contract has been signed by the company for a diamond drilling programme following on the discovery of a substantial lithium anomaly in soils on the Kamativi licence EPO 1782 adjoining the historic Kamativi tin/tantalum mine (in which Galileo does not have an interest) which contains a significant lithium tailings resource.

Galileo’s Kamativi soil anomaly, which peaks at 1 000 ppm lithium, extends over a strike length of almost 3 km, comparable to the footprint of the Arcadia lithium project, near Harare, which is considered to be one of the world’s biggest hard rock lithium resources.

A swarm of coincident pegmatite dykes has been mapped within the anomaly area which will be targeted in the first phase of drilling, with about 1 000 m of drilling planned in at least ten holes.

Other anomalies will be evaluated and drill-tested in due course. This will include one area particularly anomalous in rare earth elements.

“We have quickly moved from the discovery of a widespread lithium soil anomaly to the commencement of a drill programme at Kamativi. The anomaly is substantial, and we believe it is highly significant that the target is comparable in size to other large lithium deposits including the 42.3-million-tonne Arcadia deposit also located in Zimbabwe.

“We will quickly evaluate the target with an initial drill programme to test the stacked lithium-bearing pegmatites and results will determine the extent of follow-up drilling. The programme will also assess tin prospectivity as the recent soil and rock chip programmes also identified areas anomalous in tin,” comments CEO and chairperson Colin Bird.

The Kamativi licence EPO 1782 covers an area of 520 km2 in western Zimbabwe. Galileo has the option to earn an 80% interest through spending a combined total of $ 1.5 million on exploration and evaluation in the project area and over the Bulawayo gold/nickel property by July 21, 2024.

Mining Weekly

ZMF Conference to Spur Sustainable Economic Development in ASM

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ZMF Conference to Spur Sustainable Economic Development in ASM

The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has announced that it will be 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.

Running under the theme “Responsible Mining: A Catalyst for Sustainable Economic Development.” the event aims to discuss the policy measures affecting ASM operations and assess the implications on the growth of the mining industry.

“Zimbabwe Miners Federation(ZMF) cordially invites the mining industry players and stakeholders to contribute, attend and participate at this year’s ZMF Annual Mining Conference and Exhibitions that will take place from 6th – 7th of July 2023 at Gweru Business Convention Centre. The core business of this event is designed to strategically gather together the artisanal, small-scale miners, large-scale miners and key stakeholders to meet and connect with investors, service providers, stakeholders and policymakers and holistically align the artisanal and small-scale miners in the mainstream economy in a most sustainable and rational manner,” ZMF Chief Executive Officer Mr Wellington Takavarasha said in a statement.

Policymakers, Government bodies, suppliers, manufacturers, mining houses, Chamber of Mines members, law enforcement agencies, research institutes, training institutions, farmers, NGOs, and financial institutions are expected to be in attendance.

There will be breakout sessions into mineral sector groupings such as Gold, Chrome and base minerals, Semi-precious and industrial minerals, Youth in Mining, Women in Mining and Gender Issues, Mining suppliers and service providers, Legislative and Policy Issues, and Investment opportunities in the ASM sector.

According to Takavarasha, Industry leaders and experts will provide new perspectives on key issues and concerns of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector and share cutting-edge content and insights on the mining landscape.

He also said the Federation this year invited President Mnangagwa as Guest Speaker.

“Speakers are industry leaders and experts that will provide new perspectives on key issues and concerns of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector and share cutting-edge content and insights on the mining landscape. The invited Guest Speaker is His Excellency The President of the 2nd Republic of Zimbabwe Cde E. D Mnangagwa,” Takavarasha said.

The exhibition will feature the latest technology, equipment, solutions, and innovations for ASM buyers. Exhibitors will generate new leads, enhance their visibility, open doors for new markets, showcase their products and thought leadership through panel discussions and other networking platforms, and face the competition to adapt to changes in product design.

This year’s ZMF Annual Mining Conference is Zimbabwe’s only premium artisanal and small-scale mining investment forum and platform. With the full participation of over 100 ZMF affiliate associations, individual artisanal and small-scale miners, financiers/investors, service providers, stakeholders, and policymakers, this event will foster a sustainable and responsible mining sector for Zimbabwe’s economic development.

Zimplats to complete 35 MW SMC solar plant next month

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Zimplats to complete 35 MW SMC solar plant next month

Zimbabwe’s biggest platinum producer Zimplats is confident that the implementation of the 35MW solar plant at Selous Metallurgical Complex (SMC) which is Phase 1 of the company’s US$201 million 185MW solar project will be completed end of July 2023.

Rudairo Mapuranga

This was revealed during the official commissioning of the US$104 million third concentrator plant for Zimplats mine in Ngezi recently. The third concentrator plant is part of the 3rd phase of expansion programmes with an investment tag of a potential US$1.8 billion. The programme began following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Zimplats and the Government in 2021.

According to Implats (Zimplats owners) Chairperson Thandi Orleyn, the third concentrator whose construction began in January 2021 and ended in August last year is expected to help production by 13 per cent.

“Your Excellency investment of US$104 million was outplayed in the development of the 3rd Concentrator project that was completed in a record time of 20 months. During the development phase, the project employed a peak of 700 people creating so much-needed jobs in the local communities and the country in general. Nearly 6000 jobs will be created in the execution of the potential US$1,8 billion project generating incomes at household levels for several families in the country and substantial revenue flows to fiscus,” Orleyn said.

The ongoing US$1.8 billion expansion programme, of which US$1.4 billion has already been approved by the Zimplats board and shareholders began last quarter of calendar year 2021.

With the new investment, Zimplats will add 180,000 ounces to production per year. In 2022, Zimplats produced 583,000 ounces.

Projects under the US$1.8 billion investment include:

  • The development of a new mine, Mupani, and the upgrade of the Bimha Mine. So far, Zimplats has spent US$295 million out of a budget of US$468 million for this.
  • A US$521 million expansion of smelter capacity. So far, Zimplats has spent US$66.6 million.
  • A base metal refinery that will meet part of the country’s ambitions for local value addition.
  • A 185MW solar plant for US$201 million. The first phase of 35MW will be completed in July.
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