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Statutory Instruments to Cut ‘Burdensome Taxes’ on the Cards — Mining Sector Awaits Its Turn

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Statutory Instruments to Cut ‘Burdensome Taxes’ on the Cards — Mining Sector Awaits Its Turn

Government is set to roll out a series of legal instruments to implement measures aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, a move that could extend to the mining sector, Zimbabwe’s top foreign currency earner, Mining Zimbabwe reports.

By Ryan Chigoche

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube recently said the government is committed to translating its cost-cutting pronouncements into legal effect.

He noted that individual ministries would begin announcing new fees and procedures through statutory instruments, some of which will also be incorporated into the Finance Act. Ncube indicated that the reforms have so far targeted agriculture, retail, wholesale, transport, and tourism, and that the government plans to cover all major sectors in due course.

It is now clear that the mining industry should not be left out of this reform momentum.

As Zimbabwe’s leading foreign currency earner over the years, the sector has consistently underpinned the country’s export earnings, yet it has often been treated primarily as a source of revenue rather than as a partner in national development.

Ncube’s drive to reduce operational costs presents an opportunity to recognise mining as a development partner capable of driving growth, attracting investment, and expanding earnings if given a predictable and supportive fiscal framework.

Several fiscal and operational challenges illustrate why the sector deserves attention. Royalty structures, for instance, remain high and unlinked to market prices, exposing producers to unnecessary risk when commodity values fluctuate.

The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe has long proposed a sliding, price-based system: for platinum, 3% when prices are below US$1,100 per ounce, rising to 10% above US$2,000 per ounce; for lithium, 5% for prices up to US$15,000 per tonne, 7% between US$15,000 and US$20,000, and 10% above that. Importantly, royalties would be calculated on actual realised proceeds rather than benchmarks, encouraging reinvestment and production growth.

The Special Capital Gains Tax on mining title transfers, currently at 20%, is also constraining investment. While retrospective application has been removed, the Chamber recommends it be levied on net gains rather than gross transaction value.

Similarly, export taxes and beneficiation levies are being applied on concentrates, penalising producers before local processing capacity exists.

Reforming this framework could unlock downstream value addition and increase foreign currency earnings.

Operational challenges such as delayed VAT refunds create liquidity pressures, particularly for smaller producers.

The complexity of multiple statutory payments across ministries and local authorities adds further administrative costs and inefficiencies.

The Chamber has suggested a single-window system to streamline these payments and improve transparency.

Rising electricity and utility costs further strain mining operations, threatening competitiveness.

Addressing these costs through relief measures or benchmarking against regional standards could make production more sustainable and encourage expansion.

Addressing these interconnected issues—royalties, capital gains tax, export levies, VAT refunds, statutory payments, and utility costs—would reduce operational burdens and unlock the mining sector’s potential to earn more for the country.

Recognising mining as a partner in development rather than merely a source of revenue would allow Zimbabwe to fully capitalise on the sector’s capacity to drive sustainable economic growth and attract long-term investment.

Treasury has linked this broader cost-cutting initiative to the country’s ongoing economic stabilisation programme, which has been commended by international institutions such as the IMF.

Ncube cited a 6.6% growth rate for this year and a projected 5% for next year as evidence that reforms are having a positive impact.

If the momentum now applied to agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and tourism is extended to mining, the sector could see new exploration and production growth while strengthening Zimbabwe’s foreign exchange base.

ZAWIMA Leads Critical Dialogue on New Bill

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ZAWIMA Leads Critical Dialogue on New Bill

In an endeavour to ensure women’s interests are firmly embedded in Zimbabwe’s new legal framework for mining, the Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (ZAWIMA) is convening a pivotal national dialogue on the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill on Thursday, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

This critical event, set for Harare on November 20, 2025, brings together women miners, government ministries, and civil society to co-create amendments that address the unique barriers faced by women in the sector.

From the gold-rich hills of Zvishavane to the chrome-laden landscapes of Chinhoyi, Zimbabwean women are not just entering the mining sector; they are fundamentally reshaping it. With picks in hand and entrepreneurial spirit, they are digging, processing, trading, and establishing small businesses that form the bedrock of family livelihoods and community upliftment. Their work spans the entire mining value chain, demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation.

Yet, for all their undeniable contributions, these women miners face a landscape of persistent and significant barriers. Access to mining claims is often blocked by entrenched gender biases and bureaucratic labyrinths. They frequently work in unsafe conditions, exposed to environmental hazards without adequate protection. Perhaps most crippling is the severe lack of access to financing and investment capital, which stifles growth and keeps their operations in the informal shadows. Compounding these issues is a stark representation gap: women’s voices are consistently absent from the decision-making forums where mining policies and regulations are forged.

The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, currently under review by Parliament, represents a historic opportunity to dismantle these barriers. This piece of legislation can be transformed from mere text into a powerful tool for justice and economic empowerment. If shaped with intention, it can formalise and protect women’s participation, particularly in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, where they are most active and most vulnerable.

However, this transformation will not happen by default. It requires bold, informed, and united advocacy to ensure the bill is not a missed opportunity.

With support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), ZAWIMA is spearheading this essential dialogue. The gathering will unite a powerful coalition, including the Ministry of Women, Gender and Small and Medium Enterprises, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, civil society organisations, and, most importantly, women miners themselves.

The objective is clear and action-oriented: to collectively unpack the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, identify its gender gaps, and co-create practical, rights-based amendments. These amendments must reflect the lived realities of the women who toil in the pits and run the processing plants. They must address issues of claim ownership, safety standards, access to capital, and meaningful representation in mining boards and committees.

The journey of a woman miner in Zimbabwe has always been one of courage. Now, with this dialogue and the pending legislation, we have a chance to ensure that her journey is also one of dignity, safety, and prosperity. By consciously crafting a mining law that sees and supports women, Zimbabwe can unlock the full potential of half its population and forge a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. The time for change is now.

Kuvimba Expands “Wellness Beyond Generation” to Encompass Employee and Environmental Health

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Kuvimba Expands “Wellness Beyond Generation” to Encompass Employee and Environmental Health

Kuvimba Mining House (KMH) has launched the latest iteration of its comprehensive “Wellness Beyond Generation” program, signalling a significant scaling of its commitment to sustainable and ethical operations, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The program, launched at the Group’s Head Office in Borrowdale, Harare, is set to be rolled out across all its mines and business units nationwide.

This year’s initiative builds on the foundational work started last year, which focused heavily on mental health awareness as a key strategy to reduce Lost Time Incidents (LTIs) and enhance productivity.

However, Group CEO Mr. Travor Barnard has now articulated a more holistic vision, positioning employee and community wellness as central pillars of the company’s identity.

“Kuvimba’s vision is to actually provide a better and sustainable future for Zimbabwe. And within that, certainly for us, it’s very important that we include the wellness of our people within our activities on a continuous basis,” said Mr. Barnard.

While mental health remains a critical component, the program has evolved into a multi-faceted strategy addressing four key areas:

  1. Physical Health: The program will focus on key indicators of physical well-being, including blood pressure and sugar level checks, ensuring early detection and management of health issues among employees and surrounding communities.

  2. Mental Health: Continuing from last year’s success, Kuvimba reaffirms its commitment to destigmatising mental health. “We also talk to people around mental health to make sure that we understand that mental health is an issue all around. And if you do have problems… there are ways to cure that,” Barnard emphasised.

  3. Financial Well-being: In a significant expansion, the program will now provide guidance on financial planning. This initiative aims to empower employees and their families to secure their futures, covering “how do you plan your life going forward, how do you look after your family.”

  4. Environmental Health: For the first time, Kuvimba is explicitly linking personal wellness with planetary health. “The other issue, which obviously also falls within this, is also the well-being of our environment,” Barnard stated, announcing a parallel environmental and sustainability initiative across all business units.

Mr Barnard confirmed that this is not a one-off event but the start of a deeply integrated, company-wide culture. “We want these activities to actually be implemented throughout the business and be part of the way that we do our business,” he said. When asked if the program would be held in all centres, his response was a definitive, “Yes, we’re going to actually do this at all of our mines.”

This commitment underscores Kuvimba’s belief that its social licence to operate is intrinsically tied to the tangible benefits felt by its employees and neighbouring communities. The goal is for them to “see an improvement in their well-being, see an improvement in their lives from the activities that we do all around the country.”

The “Wellness Beyond Generation” program has clearly matured from a targeted mental health campaign into a core business philosophy. By championing a holistic approach that cares for the physical, mental, financial, and environmental well-being of its stakeholders, Kuvimba Mining House is forging a path where corporate success and national prosperity are fundamentally intertwined.

Ministry of Mines makes Key Provincial Leadership Changes

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Ministry of Mines makes Key Provincial Leadership Changes

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has reportedly made a series of strategic provincial leadership changes following the passing of the former Matabeleland South Provincial Mining Director, the late Tariro Ndhlovu.

In the reshuffle, Midlands Provincial Mining Director (PMD) Mr Mlangeni has been transferred to take up the role of PMD for Matabeleland South. He will be replaced by Mashonaland Central PMD, Mr Makandwa, who will now assume leadership in the Midlands Province.

Additionally, Mashonaland East PMD Mr Kashiri has been reassigned to head Mashonaland Central. This adjustment leaves Mashonaland East under the guidance of an Acting Provincial Mining Director until a substantive appointment is made.

An official within the Ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the developments, describing the reshuffle as “a necessary realignment to maintain stability and continuity across key mining provinces.”

The Ministry’s latest changes aim to ensure seamless leadership and sustained progress within the mining sector across the affected provinces.

Zimbabwe’s Mineral Sector on Track to Hit $3.2 Billion Export Target, Defying Global Challenges

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Zimbabwe’s Mineral Sector on Track to Hit $3.2 Billion Export Target, Defying Global Challenges

In a powerful demonstration of economic resilience, Zimbabwe’s mineral sector is not only weathering global headwinds but is charging ahead, with official figures projecting the nation will meet a staggering US$3.2 billion revenue target for 2025 from minerals excluding gold and silver, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Driven by spectacular price surges in Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) and strategic market expansion, the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) has reported US$2.36 billion in exports for the first nine months of the year, setting a solid foundation to smash annual forecasts and cement mining’s role as the nation’s primary economic pillar.

The narrative of resilience is the central theme of the MMCZ 2025 Annual General Meeting. While the global economy faces turbulence, Zimbabwe’s diverse mineral portfolio has served as a robust shield. The US$2.36 billion earned by September, a 0.7% increase over the same period in 2024, is particularly impressive given that the volume of exports dramatically outperformed expectations.

MMCZ sold 3.84 million tonnes of minerals, a staggering 45% above the budgeted 2.65 million tonnes. This indicates that operational recovery and increased production are synergising with favourable market conditions.

The confidence in hitting the year-end target is firm. As the General Manager, Dr. Nomsa Moyo, stated, “We expect to meet our target of $3.2 billion, some millions of dollars after 3.2… And this is because of the upward trend in terms of our prices.” She elaborated on the global context, noting, “And given the developments globally, we are hopeful, despite the challenges that we have of these tariffs and other sanctions that are being imposed to different countries… we still remain positive that production will increase. And the prices, though the commodity market may be volatile, we are still hopeful. The outlook looks good.”

This optimism is firmly rooted in concrete price data. Dr. Moyo provided the exact figures: “We had an increase of 54% in terms of price increase. We’ve got about 7.54% in terms of lithium. And we’ve got about 10% in terms of our chrome.” The PGM basket price, a crucial metric for Zimbabwe’s top export earner, has indeed skyrocketed year-on-year. This single factor transformed PGM matte sales into a billion-dollar business line, generating US$1.05 billion alone. When combined with strong contributions from ferrochrome and coke, the sector’s momentum appears unstoppable.

However, the MMCZ is not blind to the challenges. The report explicitly acknowledges that logistics and infrastructure remain key constraints on market expansion. Dr. Moyo highlighted this, explaining that for bulky commodities, “the challenge of our infrastructure to move with much volumes at a given time… places a bit of a competitive disadvantage when we then look at the logistics cost.”

Furthermore, the diamond sector continues to face intense pressure. Dr. Moyo confirmed, “Yes, the challenge of diamonds is with us. People are preferring lab-grown diamonds, which are cheaper.” She noted that prices in the last quarter ending in October “have been suppressed because of these lab-grown diamonds.” Yet, even here, there is a glimmer of hope. “But you know there are some people who value natural diamonds,” she said, “So we’ve seen a slight increase in terms of demand for our rough diamonds.” This has led to a price improvement, with the average per carat seeing “an upward trend of more than $20 per carat, depending on the type of diamonds.”

Zimbabwe’s mining sector is telling a story of strategic endurance. By leveraging its mineral wealth and navigating complex global markets, it is converting potential vulnerability into tangible economic strength. The projected US$3.2 billion revenue is not just a number; it is a testament to the sector’s critical role in driving national growth and securing foreign currency. As Dr. Moyo succinctly put it, “As minerals, we never go wrong,” proving that the nation can thrive amid a challenging international landscape.

AFRICA MUST ACT AS ONE – Experts call for unified strategy to unlock mining-led growth

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AFRICA MUST ACT AS ONE – Experts call for unified strategy to unlock mining-led growth

This was the clear and urgent message delivered during yesterday’s media briefing, where experts underscored that regional integration is no longer a policy aspiration, but the engine that will determine whether Africa captures the full economic, industrial, and societal value of its mineral endowments.

The briefing, held ahead of Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026, unpacked the continental agenda through the lens of this year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnership.” Speakers underscored that Africa’s next decade of mining-led growth hinges on political alignment, cross-border collaboration, industrial connectivity, and a decisive shift from dialogue to action.

Frans Baleni, Chairman of the Mining Indaba Executive Advisory Board, opened the session with a firm call to accelerate policy execution across the continent, noting that Africa has the frameworks and ambition but now needs coordinated delivery.

“Other regions have moved faster. Africa has the vision, frameworks, and ambition now we must close the policy execution gap. Regional integration makes good policy easier, more predictable, and truly investor-ready.”
— Frans Baleni, Chairman, Executive Advisory Board, Mining Indaba

Dr. Marit Kitaw, Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations and member of the Mining Indaba Executive Advisory Board, stressed that Africa’s mineral wealth must translate into shared and sustainable development.

She emphasised that while most of Africa’s 20 major mineral-producing countries have revised their policies around the Africa Mining Vision, the real inflection point lies in continental alignment.

“Investors aren’t only chasing minerals they’re chasing markets, corridors, scale, and stability. A single country cannot secure bargaining power alone. Africa must act as a unified economic bloc.”
— Dr. Marit Kitaw

Dr. Kitaw outlined three priorities for Africa’s mining transformation:
(1) Deepening regional markets and free movement of goods,
(2) Connecting value chains across borders, and
(3) Investing in skills and technology to power industrialisation.

She added:

“We don’t lack frameworks, we lack coordinated implementation. Regional infrastructure, energy, logistics, technology, and skills development are the backbone of value addition. Mining Indaba remains the platform where we shift from aspiration to action.”

The briefing then turned to the strategic direction of Mining Indaba 2026. Zeinab El-Sayed, Head of Government Partnerships at Mining Indaba, highlighted that the 2026 programme has been intentionally designed to drive collaboration across governments, regions and private sector partners.

“Integration is the thread connecting mining to energy, energy to infrastructure and infrastructure to manufacturing, creating the scale needed for African competitiveness.”
— Zeinab El-Sayed, Head of Government Partnerships, Mining Indaba

She confirmed that the 2026 Ministerial Symposium will convene leaders from South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, DRC, Botswana, Angola, and others to showcase real models of cross-border collaboration from shared energy projects to harmonised policy frameworks and interconnected transport corridors.

“Progress cannot happen in isolation. This year, we are aligning ecosystems, timelines, and national priorities to unlock scale. Regional integration is the blueprint.”

Mining Indaba’s Product Director, Laura Nicholson, reinforced that MI26 represents a pivotal moment in how the continent defines and advances its mining future. “Mining Indaba is no longer just where people meet it’s where Africa’s mining trajectory is reshaped. We are enabling meaningful dialogue that changes the narrative of what Africa can achieve.”
— Laura Nicholson, Product Director, Mining Indaba

Nicholson highlighted the need to amplify success stories across the continent, from community participation and youth innovation to downstream industrial growth, infrastructure expansion and value chain development.

She noted that Africa’s strengths are tangible and growing and that the mining sector continues to build the economies, industries and infrastructure that will enable Africa to stand confidently on its own. Nicholson also underscored the growing stakeholder universe at Mining Indaba, which now includes governments, investors, miners, OEMs, communities, youth and downstream industries, all forming part of a “connected value chain that is critical for Africa’s industrialisation.”

Nicholson closed with exciting news on changing the global perception of mining. ICMM, a strategic partner for Mining Indaba 2026 recently supported the world first: the deepest underground marathon ever recorded, breaking two Guinness World Records. A documentary capturing this achievement will premiere at Mining Indaba 2026, showcasing an industry driven by innovation, resilience and opportunity.

“The documentary will challenge outdated perceptions. Mining is an industry of innovation, resilience, skills development, and opportunity. This is the narrative we are amplifying Africa’s mining story is one of progress.”

The message from all speakers was unequivocal: Africa has the resources, the policy frameworks, and the continental vision. The next frontier is collective execution.

Mining Indaba 2026 will be the platform driving this shift through bold dialogue, cross-border partnerships, deal-making, and policy harmonisation all under the unifying theme: “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnership.”

This is where Africa’s mining transformation blueprint will be shaped and where stakeholders across the value chain will be called upon to commit, collaborate, and deliver.

Register today to be part of the conversations that will define Africa’s mining future.

https://miningindaba.com/page/registration

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 14 November 2025

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Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 14 November 2025

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 14 November 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

1 oz = 31.1035 g

CategoryPrice ($/g)Price ($/oz)
SG 90% and ABOVE127.473964.76
SG 85%–90%126.123922.77
SG 80%–85%124.773880.78
SG 75%–80%123.423838.79
Sample 5g–10g121.403775.96
Fire Assay CASH128.143985.60

 

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.

RZM Murowa Clinches Gold and Bronze at Prestigious NSSA Safety Awards

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RZM Murowa Clinches Gold and Bronze at Prestigious NSSA Safety Awards

Diamond miner RZM Murowa has solidified its status as a leader in workplace safety after securing two top honours at the 62nd National Social Security Authority (NSSA) Safety and Health at Work (SHAW) Conference Awards held in Victoria Falls last month, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The diamond miner shone brightly, winning the coveted Gold Award in the competitive Mining Sector and a Bronze Award in the Provincial Sector for the Gweru Region. These accolades, conferred under the theme “Occupational Safety and Health: Technology and the Future of Work,” celebrate organisations that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting their employees.

The double victory underscores RZM Murowa’s dedication to building a world-class safety culture.

In a statement, an RZM Murowa spokesperson said, “These awards reflect our ongoing commitment to prioritising the health, safety, and well-being of our people. Our employees are the backbone of our operations, and we are proud to be recognised for creating a workplace where safety, health, and environmental stewardship are core operating principles.”

This commitment is clearly reflected in the numbers. The company has maintained a fatality-free record since 2020 and recorded zero Lost Time Injuries in 2024—a remarkable achievement equating to 1.4 million fatality-free shifts. This stellar performance is driven by a deeply embedded “Zero Harm” culture, guided by the company’s firm motto: “If it cannot be done safely, it cannot be done here.”

Beyond its own workforce, RZM Murowa extends its health and wellness mandate to the surrounding communities. Its state-of-the-art on-site medical centre provides vital healthcare services that were previously inaccessible to many locals, strengthening community ties. Notably, nearly 40% of the company’s workforce is drawn from these neighbouring areas.

Environmental stewardship is another key pillar of the company’s ethos. Operating in an arid region that hosts endangered species, RZM Murowa has implemented robust biodiversity protection initiatives, greenhouse gas monitoring, and wastewater recycling systems. Employees actively participate in national clean-up campaigns and on-site recycling programmes.

IMF Hails Mining-Led Rebound, Urges Fiscal Discipline in Zimbabwe’s 2026 Budget

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IMF Hails Mining-Led Rebound, Urges Fiscal Discipline in Zimbabwe’s 2026 Budget

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Zimbabwe for a stronger-than-expected economic rebound in 2025, explicitly highlighting the mining sector’s “solid performance” as a key driver of this growth, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The endorsement came from an IMF staff team led by Mr. Wojciech Maliszewski, which concluded a visit to Harare from October 29 to November 5, 2025. In an end-of-mission press release, the team pointed to a recovery in agriculture, a stable foreign exchange rate, and a significant easing of inflation as other critical factors behind the positive economic momentum, which is expected to continue into 2026.

The statement provides a vote of confidence for the country’s key extractive industry, noting that the “solid performances in mining” have been instrumental in the overall recovery.

During the visit, the IMF team held productive discussions with authorities, including the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Hon. Mthuli Ncube, and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Dr. John Mushayavanhu.

A central theme of the talks was the critical importance of reinforcing fiscal discipline in the upcoming 2026 national budget. The IMF emphasised the need to align government expenditures with revenues and sustainable financing sources to preserve the recent economic gains.

“Discussions in Harare focused on enhancing fiscal discipline in the 2026 budget framework by aligning expenditures with revenues and available non-inflationary financing sources, while avoiding the accumulation of expenditure arrears,” Mr Maliszewski stated.

For the mining sector, which is a major contributor to government revenues, this underscores the importance of a predictable and stable fiscal environment. The IMF recommended “adopting credible revenue projections supported by concrete policy and administrative tax measures for 2026,” a move that would directly impact how the sector is taxed and regulated.

The IMF mission is part of the groundwork for a potential Staff-Monitored Program (SMP). The Fund’s staff indicated they are ready to resume formal discussions on such a program once there is further progress on key policy issues, including the finalisation of a 2026 budget that aligns with the “objective of sustaining macroeconomic stability.”

This call for fiscal prudence signals to investors in the mining sector and beyond that the authorities are being encouraged to consolidate the current stability, creating a more attractive and less inflationary environment for future investment and growth.

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 13 November 2025

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Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 13 November 2025

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 13 November 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

1 oz = 31.1035 g

CategoryPrice ($/g)Price ($/oz)
SG 90% and ABOVE125.683,909.42
SG 85% and above but below 90%124.353,868.27
SG 80% and above but below 85%123.023,827.12
SG 75% and above but below 80%121.693,785.97
Sample 5g and above but below 10g119.693,723.43
Fire Assay CASH126.343,928.72

 

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.

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