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The rampant smuggling of Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth can only be effectively stopped when the nation prioritises the welfare and dignity of its frontline human capital, as technological solutions remain futile when the officials operating them are demoralised and under-supported, Senator Conrad Jericho Gotora said.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking in the upper house on Thursday, Senator Gotora of Mashonaland East argued that the government’s high-tech anti-smuggling drive is doomed to fail unless it first addresses the economic desperation that fuels corruption from within.

His address cuts to the heart of a national crisis, where reports indicate Zimbabwe loses over US$1.5 billion annually to gold smuggling alone, a staggering haemorrhage of resources from a sector that is the cornerstone of the economy. The Senator’s critique challenges the very foundation of current strategies, suggesting that a hungry official, even one armed with the latest technology, cannot be an effective guardian of the state’s wealth.

Recently, authorities have rolled out sophisticated measures designed to curb this illicit trade. The Mineral Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) has procured drone technology to enhance surveillance over mining sites and stockpiles, particularly in remote, high-risk areas. This initiative is part of a broader government push that includes boosting mine surveillance and implementing a gold-tracing system to monitor the metal from the mine to the market.

Yet, Senator Gotora pinpointed a fatal flaw in this approach. He stated that the sophisticated equipment is being undermined by the basic needs of the people operating it. “The people who are smuggling are being given permission by security who has drones because the security is hungry; they can’t arrest people who are feeding them,” he told the Senate.

This observation reveals the limits of a purely technological fix. A drone can identify a smuggling operation from the air, but if the officers on the ground are compromised by inadequate pay and hunger, the intelligence it provides is rendered useless. The system fails at the last, most critical mile: the human being tasked with enforcement.

A Tangible Symbol of Misplaced Priorities

The Senator provided a concrete example of what he termed “misplaced priorities,” highlighting the glaring absence of a weighbridge at the Nyamapanda border post. This fundamental piece of infrastructure is critical for monitoring and taxing heavy vehicles, particularly those carrying high-value commodities like granite from his constituency.

“The lorries that are going out with granite from Mtoko and UMP are just using the Nyamapanda border; there is no weighbridge,” he declared. “We are failing to build a weighbridge because we have misplaced priorities.”

This failure is more than an administrative oversight; it is a symbol of a deeper governance crisis. The continued lack of such a basic tool, while more complex solutions are pursued, suggests a disjointed strategy that fails to plug the most obvious revenue leaks.

At the heart of Senator Gotora’s argument is a compelling philosophy: Zimbabwe’s greatest asset is its people. He directly linked the brain drain of skilled professionals to the vulnerability of security personnel, stating, “We have engineers working very well in other countries because here they will be hungry.”

This connection is crucial. A state that fails to adequately invest in its human capital—ensuring its civil servants, security forces, and professionals can live with dignity—unintentionally sabotages its own institutions. A well-fed, fairly compensated official possesses the moral and economic fortitude to resist corruption. A well-remunerated engineer is empowered to build a career at home, strengthening the nation’s productive capacity.

“We need to feed our human capital to reduce smuggling,” the Senator asserted. This is not merely a call for salary increases, but a plea for a fundamental re-evaluation of national spending. It posits that investing in people is the most sophisticated and effective anti-smuggling strategy available.

The government’s technological and regulatory measures are necessary, but as Senator Gotora’s speech makes clear, they are insufficient alone. The fight must be waged on two parallel fronts.

The first is the physical front: continuing to deploy drones, enhancing border security, and finally building the long-overdue weighbridges. These are critical operational tasks that must be executed with urgency.

The second, and more decisive front, is the human one. The state must tackle the economic desperation that turns protectors into accomplices. This means ensuring all state employees, especially those in enforcement, earn a living wage that insulates them from bribery. It also means creating a thriving, formal mining sector where artisanal and small-scale miners are incentivised to operate legally through prompt payment and fair treatment, as the government has attempted through initiatives like the US$100 million facility to support the sector.

As Senator Gotora warned, “We can arrest those at the borders, but it will not change anything.” The lorries will continue to roll through Nyamapanda unimpeded, the drones will watch from above, powerless to act, and the nation will continue to bleed—not from a wound on its border, but from a sickness born of neglected priorities and empty stomachs.

The Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with its benchmark index surging by a remarkable 45 per cent this year, propelled by a global rally in gold prices and shifting investor sentiment, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The dollar-denominated bourse, established in 2020 to attract foreign capital, has seen its market valuation climb to US$1.8 billion by the end of September. This performance is largely powered by a 48 per cent jump in gold prices this year, which has significantly boosted the stocks of mining companies listed on the exchange.

“Their stocks have become a proxy for gold,” said Lloyd Mlotshwa, head of research at IH Securities. “These companies invested well in time to catch the gold rush and have also ramped up production when the timing is right.”

The exchange’s robust performance is further fueled by a shortage of Zimbabwe’s local currency, the ZiG. According to market watchers, this liquidity crunch has driven investors away from the main Harare bourse and towards the dollar-only VFEX platform.

“ZiG liquidity is weak,” stated Mlotshwa. “Investors resort instead to using their dollars.”

The VFEX now hosts 17 listed companies. Recent additions include UK-based Kavango Resources, which became the third gold miner to list on the bourse last month. It joins other key players like Caledonia Mining Corp and Padenga Holdings.

The surge on the VFEX is prompting a portfolio reassessment among asset managers and pension funds, who are now under pressure to increase exposure to the “real value” emerging from the companies listed on the thriving exchange.

Nasdaq-listed Namib Minerals is moving swiftly to raise capital as part of an aggressive expansion strategy for its gold mining operations in Zimbabwe. The company aims to capitalise on strong bullion prices while simultaneously laying the groundwork to develop its copper and cobalt assets in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This was revealed in a recent interview where Namib CEO Ibrahima Tall outlined the company’s strategy, stressing the need to accelerate the expansion of its Zimbabwean gold mines. He noted that boosting production now will not only allow Namib to capture value from today’s high bullion prices but also generate capital to fund its future-facing critical mineral projects.

Gold miners worldwide have enjoyed several strong years, with prices reaching record highs amid geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty. While many operators are turning their attention to cobalt and copper — metals critical to the energy transition — gold remains the backbone of profitability for most.

For Namib Minerals, Zimbabwe’s gold mines are the anchor of its growth plan. Fresh from its Nasdaq debut through a SPAC merger, the company has gained global visibility and access to capital to accelerate expansion. It already operates its flagship How Mine and has committed US$300 million to restarting the Mazowe and Redwing gold mines, underscoring Zimbabwe’s importance as the foundation of its portfolio.

Tall underscored the urgency of this push, saying the company looks to scale up its Zimbabwean operations quickly to take advantage of favourable gold market conditions.

“We know that all predictions are saying that the gold price will keep going high, very high. Some are already forecasting the gold price to go beyond 4,000 for the next year. Expanding these mines is one of the main reasons we are looking for this investment, because expanding quickly will take advantage of the current gold price. We believe in gold being high for the next at least five to six years. So yes, this is going to be a good opportunity for anyone who would like to invest in gold and who will see a company being there for creating opportunities and value for investors.”

Tall noted that geopolitical instability continues to drive investors toward gold, reinforcing the company’s confidence in sustaining high prices.

Looking further ahead, Namib is preparing to diversify into copper and cobalt production from its assets in the DRC. However, Tall underscored that it is gold — and particularly the company’s Zimbabwean operations — that will anchor Namib’s future.

“Our goal and vision is to reopen two of these [gold] mines, which are actually currently under maintenance, to expand them to make them way bigger, and then expand into the Democratic Republic of Congo and have producing assets in the copper and cobalt sector going forward. Strategically, this is a way for us to balance, in terms of risk. Gold is very trendy right now. We believe in gold. But we also are mindful of the future and being able to contribute to saving the planet for the next generation,” Tall added.

The company’s optimism is shared by major financial institutions. Goldman Sachs projects gold could hit US$3,700/oz in 2025 and possibly test US$4,000/oz by 2026, while J.P. Morgan expects similar momentum. ANZ has also raised its outlook to around US$3,800/oz, citing strong central bank buying and expectations of lower U.S. interest rates.

Dallaglio Investments, the gold mining subsidiary of Padenga Holdings, is projecting a significant surge in gold output in 2026 as ongoing expansion projects come online. For FY2025, the company expects production to remain in line with 2024 levels, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

In 2024, Dallaglio produced 2,740 kilograms of gold, a 29% increase from the 2,120 kilograms recorded in 2023.

This growth was driven by higher mill feed grades, improved recovery rates at both the Eureka and Pickstone Peerless mines, and operational efficiencies implemented since late 2023.

The division’s half-year 2025 output of 1,292 kilograms already reflects a 7% year-on-year increase, highlighting the company’s consistent operational performance.

Expansion projects and operational upgrades to drive the anticipated 2026 production leap

Expansion projects across both mines are expected to underpin the next phase of growth. At Pickstone, Phase 3 of the underground project is progressing on schedule, with access to Level 10 established and development work underway.

The project aims to commission hauling and hoisting infrastructure at Level 10.5 by December 2025, enabling more efficient extraction from deeper ore zones. In parallel, Pickstone is set to add a pre-oxidation facility to improve ore leachability in the Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) process, enhancing overall plant recovery. Procurement for this facility will begin in Q3, with commissioning targeted for Q1 2026.

Energy efficiency and sustainability are also central to Dallaglio’s strategy. Preliminary works for a 4.9 MW solar plant at Pickstone were completed in Q2, with commissioning slated for November 2025.

At Eureka Mine, a 5 MW solar project is progressing, with first power expected by Q1 2026. Together, these initiatives are set to improve energy security, reduce reliance on grid electricity, and support the company’s environmental objectives.

Operational improvements are being implemented alongside these infrastructure projects.

At Eureka, evaluation and blasting trials are exploring steeper open-pit slopes, which could allow access to deeper resources and extend the life of the pit, with results expected in Q3.

Meanwhile, Pickstone’s recent drilling campaign indicates a 30% increase in contained ounces compared to previous estimates. An independent review of the updated block model is scheduled for Q3 to confirm these findings and inform the 2026 Mining Plan.

Dallaglio’s expansion and operational plans are supported by a substantial capital investment. For 2025, Padenga Holdings allocated approximately US$30 million to capital projects, with nearly US$29 million directed to Dallaglio’s mining operations.

With underground development, plant upgrades, renewable energy projects, and improved resource access all coming together, Dallaglio expects FY2025 production to remain stable while anticipating substantial growth in 2026. These developments reinforce the company’s position as one of Zimbabwe’s leading gold producers.

Harare regional magistrate Mr Noel Mupeiwa has acquitted Lewis Matutu and his four accomplices on charges of fraudulently seizing shares from Shisib Investments, a mining company, in a case where the State alleged a US$150,000 prejudice, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Matutu was jointly charged with Blessing Kusangaya, Tafadzwa Kusangaya, Muzimba Muhamba, and Chikwasha Muhamba.

The State’s case alleged that the group used forged company annual returns from 2014 to 2017, which were lodged with the Registrar of Companies, to falsely indicate changes in shareholding and directorship. “As a result, the accused persons allotted themselves shares and became majority shareholders,” the prosecution argued.

This alleged fraudulent takeover came to a head in September 2024, when the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority informed the original complainant that the accused had directed the suspension of mining operations, claiming shareholders had agreed to sell the mining claim.

Furthermore, using the disputed shareholding, the accused allegedly attended the company’s annual general meeting on November 19, 2024, where they removed the complainant from the board and resolved to change the company’s registered address.

According to the State, Shisib Investments suffered an actual prejudice of US$150,000, and nothing was recovered.

However, in his ruling, Magistrate Mupeiwa stated that the case collapsed after the complainant exonerated the accused. The key testimony came when the complainant confirmed that the Shisib Investments company’s annual returns for the years in question were not forged by any of the accused persons. With the foundation of the State’s case undermined, the court had no basis to convict, leading to the acquittal of all five individuals.

Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) Holdings is spearheading the modernisation of rock engineering and geotechnical strategies through the deployment of cutting-edge digital technologies, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The revelation was made by Mr. Akim Mutiti, who represented HCCL Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Mr. William Gambiza, as the Guest of Honour at the Zimbabwe National Institute of Rock Engineering (ZINIRE) Annual Symposium held at Elephant Hills on Friday.

The high-level symposium, convened under the theme “Managing Fall of Ground into the Future,” brought together the nation’s leading mining engineers, strata control officers, and geotechnical experts to address critical safety challenges in the industry.

In his keynote address, Mr. Mutiti underscored the company’s commitment to a future anchored on purpose-driven and innovative mining. He outlined HCCL’s strategic pivot towards embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across its operations.

“Guided by our vision of Zero Harm, we are modernising rock engineering and geotechnical strategies, deploying digital mine planning systems, drones, and advanced geological software,” Mr. Mutiti said. “These tools are not mere innovations; they are the safeguards of our people, the protectors of our environment, and the foundation of a resilient industry.”

Mr. Mutiti emphasised that the responsibility of mining houses extends beyond profit, resting squarely on ensuring the safety of every employee. He hailed rock engineers and mining professionals as the indispensable “guardians of our most valuable asset: our people.”

Drawing from an international case study, he highlighted the moral and operational imperative for robust corporate ground control, stating that it is a non-negotiable standard for the industry.

The HCCL official also issued a sobering call to action, pointing to recent fatal incidents in Chegutu and at disused shafts as tragic reminders of the work that remains. He urged ZINIRE to lead in extending its expertise beyond large corporations to the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, where fatalities continue to occur.

“The test of our leadership is not in what we do for well-resourced mines, but in how far we extend the shield of safety to those who need it most,” he asserted.

To this end, Mr. Mutiti proposed a three-pronged approach: fostering knowledge transfer, embracing technology like real-time monitoring systems, and creating accessible safety resources for small-scale miners.

He concluded with a powerful guarantee that every miner, from Hwange to Chegutu, deserves the right to return home safely at the end of each shift, a goal he said is achievable through courageous leadership, purposeful innovation, and unwavering conviction.

Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale gold miners are enjoying a major windfall as gold prices surged to US$118.26 per gram (3,678.64), the highest level seen in recent months.

The jump in prices has brought renewed optimism to the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, which contributes over 60% of the country’s gold deliveries.

Industry observers say the timing could not be better for small-scale producers, many of whom have battled rising operational costs due to fuel shortages, electricity challenges, and high input prices. With prices firming, miners are reporting better profit margins and increased deliveries to the country’s official buyer, Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

“This price is a game changer. At US$118 per gram, our efforts are finally paying off. We can reinvest in equipment and improve operations,” said a Evans Maponga, a Mazowe-based miner.

Gold has long been Zimbabwe’s top foreign currency earner, and higher prices are expected to boost national reserves at a time when the economy is battling liquidity constraints. According to FGR, deliveries from small-scale miners have been rising steadily, and the latest price movement is likely to further stimulate production.

Economic analysts note that while global factors such as inflation fears, geopolitical tensions, and demand for safe-haven assets are driving the international gold rally, the impact on Zimbabwe’s small-scale miners is particularly pronounced. For many rural communities, gold mining remains the backbone of livelihoods, supporting thousands of families.

However, concerns remain around sustainability, with frequent accidents, environmental degradation, and smuggling continuing to undermine the sector. Experts are urging the government and stakeholders to invest in mechanisation, safety, and formalisation to ensure long-term benefits.

For now, though, the small-scale miners are celebrating. As one miner put it: “Zvakabhadhara.”