Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

The Mining Industry Pension Fund (MIPF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is set to speak at the Mining Health, Safety and Environmental (MHSS) Series 2026 in Takoradi, Ghana, where he will share insights into Zimbabwe’s approach to supporting miners’ welfare, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This invitation highlights the growing international interest in Zimbabwe’s model and its innovative approach to post-employment support for mining workers.

Although Ghana’s mining sector is an important part of the country’s economy, it does not have a dedicated pension fund for miners. While the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) manages mineral revenues, it does not provide post-employment welfare for workers.

In contrast, the MIPF offers a comprehensive system that ensures miners are supported even after leaving active employment, exemplifying the “S” in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, MIPF Chief Executive Anymore Taruvinga said that the fund’s role in safeguarding miners’ welfare will be a key theme in his presentation.

“The event organisers, however, admired the MIPF setup as a mining industry umbrella fund. They do not have a similar setup in Ghana, but they believe such a structure is a means to achieving the ‘S’ in ESG when it comes to post-employment welfare of mining workers,” Taruvinga said.

The MHSS 2026 conference, scheduled for April 22–23, will bring together mining operators, regulators, technical leaders, innovators, and other stakeholders to discuss forward-looking policies, practical strategies, regulatory developments, and technological innovations shaping sustainable mining in Africa.

Supported by the Minerals Commission of Ghana, the event aims to strengthen health, safety, and environmental performance across the mining lifecycle.

This year, the conference runs under the theme: “The Mine, Community, and Mine Worker Sustainability: Empowered Workers, Sustainable Mines, Thriving Communities.”

Participants can expect discussions and case studies on balancing growth with sustainability, advancing health and safety practices, emerging performance metrics, technology-driven safety innovations, and worker wellbeing as a strategic performance driver.

With MIPF’s participation, Zimbabwe is set to showcase a leading example of how social welfare initiatives can strengthen sustainability practices within the mining sector, offering valuable lessons for other countries looking to integrate ESG principles more effectively.

“If I calculate, I will get around 8,512 metric tonnes of caesium within the 1.52 million metric tonnes of concentrate exported” – Eng Mudono

Zimbabwe lost approximately US$400 million in unreported caesium and tantalum from lithium concentrate exports before the government imposed a ban on raw mineral shipments, a National University of Science and Technology lecturer has calculated.

By Rudairo Maparanga

Speaking at a breakfast meeting on Zimbabwe’s export ban organised by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO) last week, Eng Mudono presented detailed estimates of the value of by-minerals that were leaving the country undeclared.

“If I use that as the basis of calculation, then I have a general approximation of the content within the concentrate. For caesium, 0.07 to 1.05 per cent. If I calculate, I will get around 8,512 metric tonnes of caesium within the 1.52 million metric tonnes exported. That is around US$30 million,” Mudono said.

“Then you go to tantalum. Generally, 0.036 to 0.09 per cent. From that aspect, around US$400 million is what is within the content.”

Mudono traced his expertise in mineral processing back to 1995, when he successfully separated nickel from cobalt at the base metal level. In 2001, he spent six months in Sweden studying energy storage systems, working with a lecturer who was a consultant at Northrop Grumman. More recently, he spent two months in 2018 gaining experience with Peter Jarosz, a prominent figure in the battery materials space.

He is currently pursuing a PhD focused on converting lithium concentrate to lithium hydroxide, which he said is superior to lithium carbonate for electric vehicle batteries.

“Lithium hydroxide is better than lithium carbonate for electric vehicle batteries,” he said, noting that he is specifically working on petalite rather than spodumene because Zimbabwe holds one of the world’s largest petalite resources.

Mudono called on the government to establish a clear roadmap for value addition, moving beyond the current focus on concentrate production to full beneficiation.

“Why can’t we create a roadmap for this value-added segment so that we can come up with a solution at the end of the day, and Zimbabwe itself becomes a country that achieves those goals?” he asked.

He outlined the full value chain: from mining ore at 1.5 per cent lithium oxide, to producing concentrate, then converting it to lithium hydroxide through a high-temperature process exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius, and finally to end-user applications including batteries, ceramics, glass, lubricants, and electrical components.

“If we follow that, we won’t have any more challenges,” he said.

Mudono’s calculations provide empirical support for the government’s decision to suspend raw lithium exports on 25 February 2026. The lost value he identified—hundreds of millions of dollars in unreported caesium and tantalum alone—demonstrates the scale of revenue leakage that the ban seeks to address.

He noted that the DRC and Zambia have implemented cooperative funding models and state policies that Zimbabwe could learn from.

“They put money into that. It’s not easy. But they do it. They implement state policy,” he said.

For Zimbabwe, the path forward requires infrastructure development, investor confidence, and regional integration to secure its position as a critical player in the global electric-vehicle and energy-storage battery supply chain.

How Mine is pushing ahead with a major capacity expansion, with the upgraded milling facility expected to come online in the second half of 2026, targeting a 36% increase in throughput from 40,500 to 55,000 tonnes per month, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

According to How Mine’s parent company, Nasdaq-listed Namib Minerals, in its FY2025 report, the expansion comes as the mine reported full-year 2025 production of approximately 25,000 ounces, down from 37,239 ounces in 2024, reflecting a lower-grade environment that impacted output. Despite the dip, revenue held firm at US$82.6 million, buoyed by a strong gold price.

Management has implemented several initiatives to improve grade consistency, including tighter grade control, improved mine planning, and stronger operating discipline underground. These measures are intended to support more predictable production and cost performance going forward.

“The planned expansion of ore milling capacity at How from 40,500 to 55,000 tonnes per month remains on track,” Namib Minerals confirmed in its business update. Capital expenditures in 2025 focused on shaft deepening, underground development, tailings infrastructure, and equipment upgrades.

For 2026, How Mine has been given clear production guidance: 28,000 to 31,500 ounces, with all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of US$2,400 to US$2,700 per ounce, and adjusted EBITDA of US$50 million to US$62 million. The guidance assumes a gold price of US$4,500 per ounce.

How Mine remains the primary cash-generating asset for its parent company, funding both operational stability and broader growth strategies, including the restart of regional brownfield projects. The mine’s resilience, even in a lower-grade environment, underscores the strength of the operation and the benefit of a supportive gold price.

“We continue to focus on operational efficiency improvements at How while advancing development work at our brownfield growth projects,” said Namib Minerals CEO Tulani Sikwila.

The company views 2025 as a period of elevated investment and expects sustaining capital to normalise in 2026, supporting increased free cash flow as production levels recover.

Nasdaq-listed mining company Namib Minerals has reported a staggering leap in profitability, with full-year 2025 profit surging to US$101.2 million, up from just US$3.6 million in 2024, even as gold production dipped due to a lower-grade environment at its flagship How Mine, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The increase, announced in Namib Minerals’ FY2025 report on April 2, 2026, was driven largely by non-cash items related to the company’s Nasdaq listing. These included a US$158.8 million gain from the revaluation of earnout liabilities and a US$5.7 million gain from warrant liabilities, partially offset by US$65.4 million in one-time, non-cash listing expenses.

While production fell to approximately 25,000 ounces of gold for the year, down from 37,239 ounces in 2024, revenue remained robust at US$82.6 million. The average realised gold price helped offset lower volumes, enabling the company to generate a gross profit of US$34.2 million, representing a healthy gross margin of 41.4%.

“Our disciplined cost performance helped maintain profitability despite lower grades,” said Tulani Sikwila, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer. “2025 was a year of disciplined progress as we executed our strategy to stabilise operations, increase production capacity, and expand our resource base.”

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 18% to US$29.0 million, while operating cash flow totalled US$13.8 million after interest and tax. Total production costs fell by 4% to approximately US$37 million, reflecting effective cost controls across labour, input usage, and power consumption.

However, on a per-ounce basis, cash costs (C1 costs) rose to US$1,653 per ounce from US$1,150 in the prior year, primarily due to lower production volumes against a largely fixed cost base.

The company maintains a solid balance sheet, with total assets increasing to US$62.8 million and net debt standing at a modest US$3.3 million, positioning Namib to fund its growth ambitions.

Looking ahead to 2026, Namib has guided production of 28,000 to 31,500 ounces, with adjusted EBITDA expected between US$50 million and US$62 million, based on a gold price assumption of US$4,500 per ounce.

Zimbabwe’s government has announced strict conditions that lithium producers must meet before the current ban on lithium concentrate exports can be lifted. The new requirements emphasise local beneficiation, financial transparency, and worker welfare, reflecting the government’s broader goal of maximising value from the country’s lithium resources.

In a letter seen by Mining Zimbabwe, addressed to the Chamber of Mines and copied to all Lithium companies, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Polite Kambamura outlined the prerequisites for lifting the ban.

HERE IS THE LETTER IN FULL

CONDITIONS FOR LIFTING LITHIUM CONCENTRATE BAN

I refer to your submissions and representations over the current Government ban on the export of lithium concentrates. I wish to advise that after wide consultations at the highest level, we came up with the following as pre-requisite conditions for lifting the lithium concentrate export ban.

1. Written commitment to building beneficiation facilities for local separation of all economic minerals before export.

2. Mandatory Declaration [for tax compliance] of all other minerals contained in the export consignment and full acquittal of export proceeds.

3. Written commitment to publish company annual financial statements for the period commencing 31st December 2025, onwards.

4. Written commitment on dedicated timelines to set up lithium sulphate plants. Lithium sulphates plants to be of standard approved by the Minister, and to be set up by 01 January 2027.

5. Written commitment to set up two internationally accredited laboratories in the country, to cater for the entire mining industry.

6. 10% beneficiation tax (export tax) to be effected on all lithium concentrates exports.

7. Firm written commitment to build decent accommodation facilities for local employees and adjust salaries as per minimum National Employment Council (NEC) for the Mining Industry.

8. Approved lithium concentrate export quotas will be communicated to each producer.

9. Written commitment to give monthly progress reports through a committee to be set up by the Minister.

10. Written commitment to set up Assay Laboratories at each producing mine within the next 3 months from date of this letter.

11. To set up Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) departments at each mine to address work-related accidents and environmental issues occurring at mines.

Please note that new/future investments in the lithium sector will have the conditions applied on a case-by-case basis.

Caledonia Mining Corporation has strengthened the production outlook for its Blanket Mine following strong results from its deep-level drilling programme. The latest findings confirm that the mine’s main orebodies continue at depth and point to potential expansions in the resource base, giving the company confidence in sustaining and increasing gold output in the years ahead, Mining Zimbabwe reports.

By Ryan Chigoche

The results are expected to underpin future production at Blanket Mine, which delivered 76,213 ounces of gold in 2025, in line with the company’s revised guidance.

The programme, which saw 10,311.9 metres drilled between March and December 2025, showed that the Blanket and Eroica orebodies remain robust at depth, delivering grades and widths in line with—or even surpassing—expectations.

Drilling also confirmed that the Lima orebody extends to 34 Level, while the newly identified Blanket 7 (BLK7) orebody returned multiple wide, high-grade intersections. The increased density of drill intersections could allow some inferred resources to be upgraded to the indicated category, giving the mine a stronger resource base and better support for long-term planning.

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Mark Learmonth said the findings give confidence and support the company’s long-term goals, given the investments they have made.

“The latest results from our deep drilling programme reinforce the geological strength of Blanket Mine and demonstrate the continuity of mineralisation at depth across multiple orebodies. The consistency of grades and widths we are seeing, together with confirmation of the Lima orebody to 34 Level, provides growing confidence in the scale and quality of the mineral resource below the current lowest levels of the mine,” he said.

“These outcomes support our longer-term planning efforts and highlight the value of the investments we have made, as we continue to improve mineral resource confidence and build a stronger foundation for the future of the mine and value creation for the business,” Learmonth added.

The programme’s denser drilling is already paying off. It could allow inferred resources to move into the indicated category, giving planners a firmer base for life-of-mine strategies.

Confidence in the mine’s potential is further boosted by the performance of BLK7, first reported in June, which continues to deliver strong grades across multiple horizons. Caledonia is now turning its attention to previously untested sections of the mine, where the mineralised shear zone exists but has yet to be explored.

Meanwhile, at Lima, drilling confirmed mineralisation to 34 Level across up to six separate zones. Additional infill drilling is planned to map their orientation and continuity more clearly. The results will feed into an updated mineral resource and reserve statement expected in 2026.

Looking ahead, Blanket’s ongoing success, coupled with progress on Caledonia’s Bilboes project, is set to boost the company’s position in Zimbabwe’s gold sector. Bilboes, where Caledonia holds full ownership, is projected to produce around 1.55 million ounces over its 10.8-year life, with first production expected in late 2028. Once Bilboes comes online, the company’s annual output could rise sharply, potentially making Caledonia one of the country’s top gold producers.

Namib Minerals saw its gold production fall to about 25,000 ounces in 2025, as lower grades at How Mine in Zimbabwe limited output. The decline has increased reliance on the How Mine expansion and the planned Redwing Mine restart to boost future production, Mining Zimbabwe reports.

The Nasdaq-listed miner posted US$82.6 million in revenue for the year, down from US$85.9 million in 2024, as lower output offset gains from higher gold prices.

Despite weaker production, Namib managed costs effectively. Total production costs fell 4% to US$37 million, supported by lower labour, power, and consumables costs. However, reduced volumes pushed cash costs (C1 costs) higher to US$1,653 per ounce, up from US$1,150 in 2024.

To reverse the trend, Namib is expanding milling capacity at How Mine to 55,000 tonnes per month from 40,500 tonnes, with the upgraded plant expected to come online in the second half of 2026. The company is also refining grade control, mine planning, and underground discipline to stabilise ore quality and improve production consistency.

Redwing Mine is also set for a restart. Dewatering began on January 29, 2026, and is expected to take eight months. Namib is evaluating non-dilutive funding options to support the restart.

If both projects stay on track, How Mine production is expected to reach 28,000–31,500 ounces in 2026, with all-in sustaining costs projected at US$2,400–2,700 per ounce and adjusted EBITDA between US$50 million and US$62 million, based on a gold price of US$4,500 per ounce.

Chief Executive Officer Tulani Sikwila, appointed in March, said:
“We continue to make disciplined progress against our strategic roadmap to expand production.” Sikwila is leading Namib’s effort to build a multi-asset mining business in Zimbabwe, positioning the company for growth in the premium gold market.

Zimbabwe’s diamond sector is surging back into the global spotlight after a massive 500,000-carat showcase in Dubai triggered strong international demand, drawing top buyers and signalling a powerful comeback for the country’s high-value gemstone industry.

The endorsement signals Zimbabwe’s growing influence in the global diamond trade, as the country strengthens international partnerships and shifts focus toward high-value production.

ZCDC, operating under the Mutapa Investment Fund, recently appointed Dubai-based Trans Atlantic Gem Sales (TAGS) as its second international tender house. The company now markets its diamonds through TAGS and Taurum Group, while reserving 10% of output for local beneficiation in line with Zimbabwean law.

DMCC Executive Chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem praised the development, highlighting strong global demand for Zimbabwean stones.

“As one of the most active participants in the Dubai Diamond Exchange, TAGS remains a cornerstone of our ecosystem, delivering the scale, transparency, and professionalism global markets expect,” he said.

He added that recent tenders featuring Zimbabwean diamonds recorded strong attendance and competitive pricing, underscoring sustained demand for high-quality rough stones.

Dubai Strengthens Its Grip as Global Diamond Hub

Dubai has rapidly cemented itself as the world’s leading rough diamond trading hub, with more than 1.06 billion carats traded over the past five years. Its rise continues to reshape global trade flows, offering Zimbabwe direct access to key markets in Asia, particularly India and China.

For Zimbabwe, this partnership delivers clear advantages: efficient market access, a transparent trading environment, and stronger positioning in premium segments.

Strong Demand for High-Quality Stones

Recent tenders have confirmed robust demand for Zimbabwean diamonds, particularly larger stones above 10 carats and those in the 5–10 carat range. These categories continue to attract premium prices, reinforcing confidence in ZCDC’s production quality.

The company’s strategic pivot toward kimberlite exploration is already yielding results, targeting higher-value stones that face less competition from synthetic alternatives.

While laboratory-grown diamonds are gaining ground in lower-end markets, natural diamonds—especially premium stones—continue to command strong global demand due to their rarity and authenticity.

Positioning for a Premium Market Future

Zimbabwe is increasingly focusing on quality over volume, aligning with global consumer trends that prioritise traceability, ethical sourcing, and origin.

As a participant in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, Zimbabwe ensures its diamonds are conflict-free and fully traceable—an essential requirement for access to major markets such as the United States and the European Union.

ZCDC is also exploring innovative models to include local communities in ownership structures, a move aimed at promoting inclusive growth while maintaining compliance and transparency.

Industry Outlook Remains Positive

The global diamond market is entering a phase of rebalancing. Supply is tightening as major mines near depletion, while demand for high-quality natural diamonds remains steady.

This dynamic is expected to support prices in the medium to long term, placing Zimbabwe in a strong position to benefit—particularly as it focuses on premium production.

ZCDC’s ongoing investments, including the Area 3 Diamonds Processing Plant Expansion scheduled for completion in 2026, further signal confidence in the sector’s future. The expansion is expected to boost recovery rates, increase foreign currency earnings, and create jobs.

A Strategic Shift Paying Off

Zimbabwe’s deepening ties with Dubai reflect a broader strategic shift toward high-value markets and modern trading platforms.

With strong international backing, rising demand for premium stones, and a clear focus on quality and transparency, Zimbabwe’s diamond sector is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving global market.