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Can the Lithium export ban pose a danger to delicate water sources in Zimbabwe?

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Can the Lithium export ban pose a danger to delicate water sources in Zimbabwe?

The government of Zimbabwe, on 25 February 2026, in an ambitious drive, banned the export of raw lithium.

Dr Hoitsimolimo Mutlokwa

This ban also applies to lithium that has already been extracted and is in transit to the exit borders of Zimbabwe, or to the ports of Beria or Durban, for export to China. As of 08 April 2025, the Zimbabwe government, amongst other conditions, gave mining companies terms to ensure that they set up lithium sulphate plants subject to the standard approval of the minister by 01 January 2027.  As mining is Zimbabwe’s second-largest contributor, it cannot be ignored that protecting other natural resources and habitats throughout the entire value chain is essential to ensure Zimbabwe gains significantly from lithium mining. China is dominant. Chinese firms are the dominant investors in the extraction of lithium hard rock in Zimbabwe and in the processing of such rock into lithium spodumene.

Lessons From the Devastation of Water Resources in the Extraction of Other Minerals

Zimbabwe is battling with illegal artisanal and formalised small-scale miners who have compromised the main river sources and tributaries feeding dams that supply water to large populations. Artisanal mining has caused stream diversions and heavy siltation in the receiving dams of rivers where such mining is taking place. For instance, the country received three times the average rainfall, yet some dams have barely reached reasonable capacity. For the first time, the nation has failed to reach 100% capacity in some of its largest dams due to low water levels. Mazowe dam, Upper Ncema dam, Lower Ncema dam, and Umzingwane dam are examples of the crisis mining poses to the indirect, intentional and unintentional sabotage of scarce water resources as a result of artisanal mining. This must be an alarm bell that rings down the strategic planning for tapping present water sources to process extracted hard rock to obtain lithium spodumene.

High Water Use in Lithium Processing

Lithium in Zimbabwe is entirely extracted from hard rock and processed into lithium spodumene. This process of hard rock extraction requires about 80,000 litres per tonne of hard rock ore to produce spodumene concentrate. For a country with agricultural regions 4 to 5, where more than half of the lithium mines are located in semi-arid areas, this high water requirement creates tension with scarce water resources, which must be used sparingly. Especially in a country plagued by ruthless dry seasons and erratic rainfall.

Chinese Dominance in Lithium Infrastructure Investments

Presently, the majority of investment in lithium mining comes from Chinese foreign investors who set up all three existing lithium processing plants, with a fourth currently under construction. The first being the Arcadia lithium plant in Harare, and the second being the Bikita lithium mine in Masvingo. The most recently completed one is the Gwanda Lithium plant, located about 80 km south of Gwanda town. This Gwanda lithium plant was completed in March 2025. It is expected to produce 200,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate annually. The fourth plant is currently under construction in Sandawana, in the Midlands province, and will also process large quantities of ore presently transported to the Gwanda lithium mine to produce lithium concentrate.

Urgent Need for Water Infrastructure and Dam Investment

Fortunately, the past two rainfall seasons, 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, have blessed Zimbabwe with above-average rainfall, with some major dams already spilling. However, on closer inspection, some dams near mining activity have less water. While the water use process in lithium extraction differs from that in gold extraction, the primary negative impact is the disturbance of delicate water systems.

Another factor to be taken into account is that the Zimbabwean government has banned the export of spodumene lithium (raw lithium) in order to ensure that added value to lithium is done within Zimbabwe. The government of Zimbabwe anticipates that domestic industries will be formed to produce end products, such as lithium batteries and possibly electric vehicles, for both domestic and foreign markets. For proper profits and benefits in the form of tax from exports to be realised, this would require the current electricity output to increase by 4 to 5 times without disrupting supply for other uses, such as household supply and other sectors of the economy. Lake Kariba’s electricity output is currently shared with Zambia, and additional water pumping would compromise the delicate dam levels, which last reached 100% capacity in 1963. Presently, Lake Kariba is only 17.47% full.

Essentially, this piece argues that industrialising lithium manufacturing to produce end products cannot be achieved overnight. But it would need to be done gradually without compromising the already delicate water resources that both commercial and subsistence farmers depend on for their livelihoods.

Such incomplete dam projects, which need massive financial capital that Zimbabwe does not readily have access to, that come to mind are the Gwayi Shangani Dam and Thuli Manyange Dam. These dams, if completed, can supply piped water to existing lithium mines, with proper plans in place to ensure wastewater from lithium plants does not compromise local water sources. Water can be piped to existing lithium plants, namely the Gwanda lithium plants and Kamativi lithium mine or Zulu mine. Zimbabwe has the largest inland dam, the Tokwe Mukosi dam, which is heavily underutilised. This could be a water source for the upcoming lithium plant in Sandawana without putting pressure on nearby water sources around the mine.

Outlook

Evidently, Zimbabwe needs to invest heavily in water resources and water infrastructure. The ambitious drive to ban lithium exports indicates that Zimbabwe is not ready to achieve its immediate goal of profiting heavily from lithium end products manufactured within its borders.  The current state of water resources and water infrastructure is not adequate to ensure full beneficiation. Furthermore, current water resources have not been fully tapped due to insufficient investment in water infrastructure. A starting point would be a clear plan to draw piped water from dams such as Tokwe Mukosi to supply mines such as Sandawana and Bikita lithium, enabling full beneficiation. Zimbabwe needs to strike a balance between reforming its water laws and investing in water infrastructure to ensure the process succeeds without violating human rights.

Short Biography

Dr Hoitsimolimo Mutlokwa is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Mineral & Energy Resources Law in Africa, University of Cape Town, Faculty of Law, Department of Private Law

Email address: [email protected] or [email protected]

‘We now see them as partners’ Mutapa Gold CEO commits to help formalising ASM as 300 graduate in Chegutu

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‘We now see them as partners’ Mutapa Gold CEO commits to help formalising ASM as 300 graduate in Chegutu

In an effort to ensure artisanal and small-scale miners are integrated into the formal economy rather than treated as illegal intruders, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Mutapa Gold Resources, Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya, on Thursday declared that the era of using drones to chase miners away from gold sites is over, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 300 artisanal miners at Magandi Park in Chegutu on 30 April 2026, Maseva-Shayawabaya said the certification of the first cohort, part of a programme targeting 1,500 miners, was “not just a graduation ceremony; it is a statement of intent that Zimbabwe can grow its gold production responsibly, safely, and inclusively while protecting the environment and improving livelihoods in our communities.”

The event marked a major milestone in Mutapa Gold Resources’ drive to formalise the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, which now contributes nearly 75% of Zimbabwe’s gold output.

Maseva-Shayawabaya, who officially takes over the reins from outgoing CEO Trevor Barnard on Friday (1 May), used his first major public address to outline a fundamental shift in how large-scale miners relate to ASMs.

“Gone are the days when we used to have drones just to spot where the artisanal miners are so that we could chase them away,” he said. “We now see them as partners.”

The new CEO revealed that Mutapa Gold Resources is already replicating its Elvington artisanal mining model, a structured approach that supports miners to work legally, safely, and productively, at Jena Mines in the Midlands and at Phoenix Prince in Bindura.

“When we speak about formalisation of artisanal mining, we are not speaking about removing miners from the money chain,” he emphasised. “We are speaking about making them work safer, more profitably, more organised, and more sustainable.”

Mutapa Gold Resources is a leading gold-producing group owned by the Mutapa Investment Fund, Zimbabwe’s sovereign wealth fund, and was formerly Kuvimba Mining House before the fund restructured its mining assets portfolio.

The company operates across the country: Freda Rebecca and Shamva gold mines in Mashonaland Central, Jena Mines in the Midlands, and assets in the Kwekwe area. Combined, the three main operations employ just under 4,000 people and produce an average of 300 kilograms of gold per month.

The CEO detailed how the training programme, delivered in partnership with the Zimbabwe School of Mines, addresses real constraints in the ASM sector.

“It strengthens safety and occupational health practices to reduce accidents and loss of life. It improves technical capability, which enhances productivity. It builds environmental stewardship so that the environment is protected for future generations. It supports financial formalisation so that miners can access banking and grow from subsistence to sustainable enterprises,” he said.

Maseva-Shayawabaya stressed that formalisation benefits all stakeholders: for government, compliance and orderly production; for communities, decent work and reduced conflict; for investors, predictable operations; and for miners, “a pathway to dignity, safety, skills, and long-term prosperity.”

“Our message is therefore simple,” Maseva-Shayawabaya said. “Formalisation of artisanal mining is not an event. It is a process that needs partnership.”

He committed Mutapa Gold Resources to continuing work with government, local authorities, traditional leaders, the Zimbabwe School of Mines, financing and technical partners (including Magaya Mining School of Mines), and the miners themselves “to build a model that can be replicated in other districts.”

Addressing the 300 graduates, he said: “Congratulations on your success. You are ambassadors for responsible mining in your families, your communities, and to the rest of Zimbabwe.”

South Korean Investors Back Zimbabwe Quartz Project with $2 Million Community Pledge

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South Korean Investors Back Zimbabwe Quartz Project with $2 Million Community Pledge

A new quartz mining venture is taking shape in Headlands, with a consortium of South Korean investors partnering with local businessman Shelton Lucas to develop the Silver Lakes Quartz Project, located about five kilometres from Inyathi Mine, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

In a formal request submitted to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Silver Lakes has sought expedited processing of its mining licence application, citing a strategic foreign direct investment commitment that includes a US$2 million pledge towards community development initiatives in the surrounding areas.

The proposed project aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to attract responsible mineral resource investment while ensuring that local communities benefit directly from mining-led growth. According to the submission, the South Korean partners’ contribution would support socio-economic upliftment through infrastructure upgrades, job creation, skills transfer, and welfare programmes.

“This represents a mutually beneficial partnership that aligns with the Government of Zimbabwe’s objectives of attracting foreign direct investment, promoting responsible mineral resource development, and ensuring inclusive community participation,” the application noted.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is assessing the request. Industry observers view the Silver Lakes project as a potential catalyst for further downstream industrial activity, given quartz’s applications in glassmaking, ferroalloys, and silicon production. Headlands, already home to established mining operations, stands to gain additional economic activity should the licence be granted.

No timeline for a decision has been announced, but the investors have indicated readiness to provide any further documentation required to facilitate the approval process.

Zimbabwe PGM Output Mixed as Zimplats Gains While Mimosa and Unki Decline

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Zimbabwe PGM Output Mixed as Zimplats Gains While Mimosa and Unki Decline

First-quarter production among Zimbabwe’s three largest platinum group metal miners delivered a mixed picture, with Zimplats extending its output lead while Mimosa and Unki both posted declines amid power disruptions and planned lower-grade ore sequencing, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Zimplats, the country’s biggest PGM producer, boosted 6E concentrate volumes by 18% year-on-year to 159,000 ounces in the three months ended March 31, 2026, as improved mechanised fleet availability and higher open-pit volumes drove milled throughput 15% higher. The gain came despite a 3% regression in milled grade to 3.28 grams per tonne 6E, reflecting increased contributions from lower-grade South Pit ore and dilution from geological structures. The strong concentrate performance was partially offset by a 45% slump in matte production to 76,000 6E ounces after furnace maintenance during the quarter disrupted smelting. Tapping was reinitiated in mid-March, and Zimplats expects to deplete an accumulated concentrate stockpile of around 63,000 6E ounces over the remainder of the 2026 financial year.

Mimosa’s performance weakened, with 6E concentrate production falling 2% to 58,000 ounces as sporadic regional power disruptions impeded operating momentum. Milled volumes slipped 1% to 688,000 tonnes, while head grade declined 2% to 3.55 grams per tonne 6E due to complex ground conditions and changing ore mineralogy. Process stability and yield were particularly challenged by the power interruptions, and for the nine months through March, cumulative concentrate output dropped 4% to 181,000 ounces compared with the prior comparable period.

Unki recorded a 4% decline in PGM production to 51,700 ounces, reflecting planned mining of lower-grade ore as part of normal mine sequencing, according to a separate report from the operation. The decline at Unki contrasted with the broader performance of its parent group, which saw total 5E plus gold metal-in-concentrate production rise 7% to 743,500 ounces, supported by stronger own-mined output and increased third-party concentrate purchases. Refined output jumped 78% to 778,500 ounces, aided by a decision to shift planned maintenance and stock counts from the first to the third quarter.

The divergent quarterly performances underscore the varying pressures facing Zimbabwe’s PGM sector. Zimplats is positioned to rebound in the coming months with its smelting bottleneck cleared, while Mimosa grapples with a maturing orebody and an unreliable national grid. Unki is advancing a 10.6-megawatt solar plant, expected to come online by mid-2026, as the first phase of a larger photovoltaic project aimed at reducing dependence on ZESA, whose supply struggles have seen mining sector electricity demand reach about 2,600 megawatts against constrained generation. An average realised basket price of R47,529 per ounce, the highest since the second quarter of 2021, is providing some revenue relief even as production trajectories diverge.

July Ndlovu to Become Caledonia Chairman as John Kelly Steps Down in Succession Plan

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July Ndlovu to Become Caledonia Chairman as John Kelly Steps Down in Succession Plan

Ndlovu, currently an independent non-executive director, will take over after the AGM on May 5, 2026; Kelly remains on board as a non-executive director.

Gold-focused miner Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc has announced that July Ndlovu, currently an independent non-executive director, will become the new Chairman of the Board, succeeding John Kelly as part of the company’s planned succession process, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Kelly, who joined the Board in May 2012 and has served as Chairman for the past three years, will step down from the role effective at the end of the Annual General Meeting to be held on May 5, 2026. He will continue to serve as a non-executive director, subject to his re-election by shareholders at the AGM, ensuring continuity and the ongoing benefit of his experience.

Ndlovu’s appointment as Chairman is subject to election by the Board immediately following the AGM, in accordance with the annual Chairman election process. An official announcement confirming the new Chairman will accompany the results of the AGM.

During Kelly’s tenure as Chairman, he guided the Board through a significant period of transition at Caledonia, overseeing continued operational delivery at Blanket Mine while supporting the advancement of the company’s growth strategy, including the development of the Bilboes gold project.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman over the past three years and to have supported the Company through a period of significant transition and change,” said John Kelly. “Caledonia is well positioned for the future, underpinned by the strong performance of Blanket Mine and the progress being made towards Caledonia’s next phase of growth. I have no doubt that July, as Chairman, will enhance the prospects for our continued success. I look forward to continuing to support the Board and management as a non-executive director and to working closely with the new Chairman.”

July Ndlovu brings extensive board experience to the role.

“I am honoured to be considered for the role of Chairman at an important point in the Company’s development. The business has strong operating foundations and a compelling growth opportunity in the Bilboes project, which has the potential to take Caledonia into its next stage of growth.

“I would also like to thank John, on behalf of the Board, for his leadership and guidance as Chairman. I am very pleased that he will continue to serve as a non-executive director, and I look forward to working closely with him, the Board, and the management team to help guide the Company through this next phase and to deliver long-term value for shareholders.”

Mark Learmonth, Chief Executive Officer of Caledonia, added: “On behalf of the Board and management team, I would like to thank John for his contribution and counsel over many years, and particularly for his stewardship as Chairman over the past three years during a period of change for the Company. His guidance and focus on governance and strategic progress have been invaluable, and I am glad that he intends to remain on the Board. I look forward to working closely with July once he is formally elected by the Board as Chairman as we continue to advance Caledonia’s strategy, including the development of the Bilboes project.”

The leadership transition comes as Caledonia continues to advance its Bilboes gold project in Zimbabwe, having recently appointed Stanbic and CBZ as co-lead arrangers for a US$150 million interim funding facility. The company also reported first-quarter 2026 production of 14,767 ounces at Blanket Mine, maintaining full-year guidance of 72,000 to 76,500 ounces.

Kavango Resources Produces 23.4kg Gold at Hillside, Targets Scale-Up at Bill’s Luck Mine

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Kavango Resources Produces 23.4kg Gold at Hillside, Targets Scale-Up at Bill’s Luck Mine

Victoria Falls Stock Exchange-listed miner Kavango Resources produced 23.4kg of gold from its Hillside Project in the year to December 2025, reflecting a transitional operating model that still leans heavily on artisanal mining while laying the groundwork for scale, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

Production during the year was largely underpinned by third-party material, with artisanal ore accounting for the bulk of output, complemented by smaller contributions from company-mined ore at Bill’s Luck Mine and reprocessing of residual sands.

The production profile highlights the current structure at Hillside: a hybrid system where Kavango processes a mix of its own ore and material sourced from small-scale miners, capturing additional value through downstream treatment of sands.

Attention is now shifting towards scaling up operations at Bill’s Luck Mine, which management sees as central to future production growth.

“At Bill’s Luck, following publication of the preliminary JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) in February 2026, Kavango is evaluating an increase in processing capacity and is focused on commissioning its 50 tonne-per-day (tpd) pilot carbon-in-pulp (CIP) gold processing plant, expected in Q2 2026. The team is now working on a scoping study to upgrade the plant to 250 t/d,” said Peter Wynter Bee, the current Chairman and Interim Chief Executive.

The forward plan signals a shift towards greater operational control, with Bill’s Luck expected to anchor future ore supply as Kavango builds out its own mining base.

At present, processing capacity remains relatively limited, centred on stamp milling and supplementary circuits inherited with the project. These facilities have enabled steady, if modest, production, but also constrain throughput and recovery efficiency.

The commissioning of a dedicated processing plant is expected to mark a turning point. The initial 50 tonne-per-day CIP unit, scheduled to come online in the second quarter of 2026, will introduce a continuous processing circuit, positioning the company to move beyond intermittent, small-scale recovery.

From there, the focus shifts to scale. Internal studies are already examining an expansion to 250 tonnes per day, a level that would materially increase output and begin to reposition Hillside as a more consistent gold producer.

Delivering that growth will depend on securing reliable feedstock.

Development work at Bill’s Luck is advancing to support this, with efforts focused on opening up deeper sections of the mine and preparing for sustained stoping.

In parallel, Kavango is assessing additional sources of ore within the broader licence area to supplement supply as throughput increases.

Geology remains a key part of the investment case. Bill’s Luck is a historically producing asset with structurally controlled mineralisation, and current work is aimed at better defining the resource and identifying extensions that could support longer-term mining.

The wider Hillside Project, which covers a significant portion of the Filabusi Greenstone Belt, provides further exploration upside, although the immediate priority remains converting existing resources into production.

While the 2025 output is modest, it marks an operational foothold and also provides a base from which Kavango is now looking to scale, shifting from a reliance on artisanal throughput towards a more conventional mining and processing model anchored on its own assets.

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 30 April 2026

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Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 30 April 2026

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 30 April 2026, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

1 oz = 31.1035 g

CategoryPrice ($/g)Price ($/oz)
SG 90% and above136.514,245.94
SG 85% but less than 90%135.064,200.84
SG 80% but less than 85%133.624,156.05
SG 75% but less than 80%132.174,110.95
Sample (5–10g)130.014,043.77
Fire Assay CASH137.234,268.33

 

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.

Premier Raises £1 Million Again as Zulu Lithium Plant Nears Commissioning Amid Heavy Dilution

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Premier Raises £1 Million Again as Zulu Lithium Plant Nears Commissioning Amid Heavy Dilution

Premier African Minerals has completed a further £1 million equity subscription, its second fundraising in just over a month, as the company reports steady progress on electrical and piping works at the Zulu Lithium flotation plant ahead of a targeted Q2 commissioning.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The London-listed miner issued new shares at 0.0136 pence each, a slight premium to the 0.0126 pence price used in late March and again in mid-April, when Canmax converted interest and contractors were paid in shares. The latest raise adds approximately 7.35 billion new shares to a capital base that has swelled to more than 25 billion ordinary shares.

According to today’s update, construction of the new Xinhai spodumene flotation circuit remains on track, with electrical switchgear and control panels now delivered, installed, and awaiting final testing by the manufacturer. Cabling to the switchgear is complete, and connections to plant drive motors are at an advanced stage. Piping for both the concentrate froth pump and the tailings pump is nearing completion, while the primary air manifold for the flotation cells is well advanced.

Commissioning activities have begun across the crushing and milling circuit, with conveyor systems being brought back online. Bypass chutes designed to replace previously used sorting equipment have successfully completed testing.

Managing Director Graham Hill said the engineering team’s technical capability and commitment had been strong, and that completion of the new flotation plant, together with targeted upgrades to existing operations, would position Zulu to demonstrate consistent, quality spodumene concentrate production.

The Dilution Reality

For all the operational encouragement, the financial arithmetic remains brutal. Premier’s total issued share capital now stands at approximately 25.37 billion shares following the 1.9 billion share issuance to Canmax and contractors on 17 April. The latest £1 million subscription, which the company says will support ongoing commissioning and optimisation, adds more than seven billion shares at a nominal premium.

Investors who held shares six months ago have seen their ownership stake diluted by roughly 60–65 percent, assuming no participation in successive fundraises. Each new cash call or in-kind conversion, whether to Canmax, to contractors, or to settle invoices, further erodes the claim of existing shareholders on any future value.

Yet the company has little choice. With no meaningful revenue from Zulu and creditors to manage, equity remains the only readily available currency. The alternative, halting construction, would almost certainly kill the project.

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 29 April 2026

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Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 29 April 2026

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 29 April 2026, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

1 oz = 31.1035 g

CategoryPrice ($/g)Price ($/oz)
SG 90% and above137.654,281.39
SG 85% but less than 90%136.194,235.98
SG 80% but less than 85%134.734,190.57
SG 75% but less than 80%133.284,145.47
Sample (5–10g)131.094,077.36
Fire Assay CASH138.384,304.10

 

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.

300 Artisanal Miners to Graduate as Mutapa Gold Accelerates ASM Formalisation in Chegutu

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300 Artisanal Miners to Graduate as Mutapa Gold Accelerates ASM Formalisation in Chegutu

All roads lead to Magandi Park this Thursday as Mutapa Gold Resources prepares to honour the first cohort of 300 artisanal miners under its ambitious capacity-building programme targeting 1,500 Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASMs) across the country, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The graduation ceremony, scheduled for 30 April 2026, marks a pivotal step in efforts to formalise and professionalise Zimbabwe’s ASM sector, which now contributes nearly 75% of the nation’s gold output.

Mutapa Gold Resources, in partnership with Magaya Mining, launched the comprehensive capacity-building programme earlier this year. While 300 miners will receive their certificates on Thursday, an additional 1,200 are still undergoing training in safe mining techniques, environmental stewardship, mining legislation, financial literacy, and efficient ore processing.

The initiative directly addresses long-standing challenges in the ASM sub-sector: inadequate skills, poor safety records, environmental degradation, and limited access to formal markets. Upon graduation, miners gain a pathway to formalisation, which unlocks financing options and direct access to off-takers such as Fidelity Gold Refinery.

Chegutu has become a strategic hub for Mutapa Gold Resources’ ASM formalisation drive. The company is currently implementing a contract mining model at the historic Elvington Mine, where artisanal miners share production with Mutapa, ensuring inclusive and equitable resource extraction.

The partnership with Magaya Mining has already seen equipment, compressors, windlasses, and generators handed over to Chegutu’s artisanal miners in 2025, significantly improving safety and operational efficiency.

Mutapa Gold Resources is one of five specialised entities created following the restructuring of the Mutapa Investment Fund’s (MIF) mining portfolio in early 2026. Led by Trevor Barnard, the company controls key assets, including Freda Rebecca, Shamva, and Jena gold mines, and aims to triple consolidated gold production to over 300,000 ounces (nearly 10 tonnes) per annum within three to four years, backed by a US$200 million investment.

The company has also achieved IMS certification in ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management), underlining its commitment to responsible mining.

Thursday’s graduation comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s ASM sector is surging. In 2025, ASM gold deliveries jumped 46.9% to 34,875 kg. For 2026, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation has set a 40-tonne target from ASMs alone.

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