Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

In a major move to resuscitate Zimbabwe’s crippled fertiliser industry, the Mutapa Investment Fund has deployed US$5.3 million, a capital injection that has drawn supportive scrutiny from Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce, led by Honourable Clemence Chiduwa, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

This significant financial commitment marks the first phase of a comprehensive plan to revive the dormant Dorowa Mine, the nation’s sole phosphate producer, with the goal of slashing costly imports and securing the agricultural sector’s foundation.

The fortunes of Zimbabwe’s fertiliser supply chain are set for a dramatic turnaround following a US$5.3 million capital injection from the Mutapa Investment Fund into the historic Dorowa Mine. The investment has rekindled hopes of restoring local fertiliser production, a development that has been welcomed by lawmakers, including Honourable Clemence Chiduwa, who has highlighted the critical need for the revival despite underlying corporate governance concerns.

Established in 1965 and reaching full production by 1973, Dorowa Mine in Buhera was for decades central to Zimbabwe’s fertiliser security before years of undercapitalisation and neglect reduced its output to a mere 15 percent of its capacity. The new revival plan, spearheaded by the Mutapa Fund in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe (IDCZ), seeks to restore the mine’s production to levels that can once again sustain national demand.

IDCZ Board Chairperson, Mr Winston Makamure, provided a stark assessment of the mine’s condition, underscoring the necessity of the Mutapa money. “Dorowa is not producing what it should be producing despite having the best phosphate in the world. When we came in as a new board, the plant was operating at 15 percent capacity utilisation, but in 2021 to 2022, we managed to push production to 26 percent. Those efforts were reversed due to the plant’s decades-long lack of maintenance,” he revealed. “Established in 1965, the last major maintenance was done in 1973. With IDCZ now under the Mutapa Investment Fund, we have already bought 90 percent of the materials to conduct phase 1 refurbishment.”

The Mutapa Investment Fund has expressed strong confidence in the project’s timeline. The first phase of refurbishment is slated for completion by April of next year, which will pave the way for a second renovation process. The total investment is expected to reach US$16 million to fully modernise the ageing plant.

Tatenda Chimusoro, Mutapa Investment Fund Head of Clustered for Agriculture and Industries, outlined the ambitious production targets. “We have secured US$5.3 million for the first phase, and it is our hope that it will be completed in April next year. In terms of output, we are looking at 100,000 tonnes of phosphate concentrate, which will translate to 200,000 tonnes of basal fertiliser. The second phase will be undertaken in the second and third quarters of next year. The national requirement of basal fertiliser is about 350,000 metric tonnes, and we will meet that demand between 2026 and 2027. Currently, Dorowa is not operational, and we are importing phosphates, a situation this investment is designed to reverse.”

The project received parliamentary oversight during a recent visit by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce. The committee’s chairperson, Honourable Clemence Chiduwa, affirmed the strategic importance of the mine while calling for rigorous oversight.

“Dorowa is the only mine in Zimbabwe that mines phosphate, which is a primary ingredient for basal fertilisers. Over the years, we have witnessed a complete breakdown of the fertiliser supply chain, and you can see here that at the moment, there is no production,” Chiduwa stated. “We are saying that to revive and promote the full value chains of the fertiliser sector, we need to revive Dorowa. We have identified a number of problems, including non-availability of electricity and capital challenges, and we are hoping that with the coming in of the Mutapa Investment Fund and its money, the situation is going to improve. However, corporate governance issues also require serious interrogation to ensure this investment yields lasting results.”

With the Mutapa Investment Fund’s capital now flowing into the project, Dorowa Mine is firmly on a path to recovery. The revival promises not only to restore local fertiliser production and stabilise agricultural inputs but also to stimulate employment and drive broader industrial growth. Beyond phosphate, the mine is also a producer of magnetite, positioning it with the potential to become a significant contributor to the nation’s steel production industry in the future.

The Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has launched a robust legal and public relations offensive, vehemently dismissing allegations of illegal land grabbing linked to its commercial operations at a mining site in Mt Darwin, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The dispute, which involves a boundary fence at Mukaradzi Mine in Mt Darwin, places a spotlight on the growing role of state entities in the mining sector, a sector central to national economic revival efforts.

In a strongly worded press statement issued on Saturday, the Air Force of Zimbabwe moved to quash a growing social media storm, refuting what it termed “false and baseless” allegations concerning its activities at Mukaradzi Mine. The military institution asserted that all its operations at the site are not only legal but also conducted in strict adherence to the country’s laws and established military protocols.

“The Air Force of Zimbabwe wishes to address and clarify the recent false allegations circulating on social media regarding our operations and the erection of a boundary fence at Mukaradzi Mine in Mt Darwin,” the statement read. “It has come to our attention that a video has been disseminated, falsely accusing the Air Force of Zimbabwe of illegal activities.”

To establish its legal standing and counter the narrative of impropriety, the AFZ clarified its commercial stake in the venture. The force confirmed it holds a legitimate interest in the mine through a formal partnership, a structure increasingly common as state-owned enterprises diversify their portfolios.

“We would like to advise the public that the Air Force of Zimbabwe is in a Joint Venture with Wise Tina International Company, registered in terms of the laws of Zimbabwe and are jointly the lawful owners of the mine in question,” the statement continued. “The Joint Venture is fully compliant with all legal requirements regarding the establishment of boundary markers.”

In a dramatic turn, the AFZ turned the tables on the accusers, alleging that the individuals featured in the viral video were not victims but the actual perpetrators of illegal acts. The military claims the video is a calculated smear campaign designed to damage its reputation.

“The perimeter fence in question was erected by the Joint Venture according to the coordinates given by the Ministry of Mines. However, some unscrupulous elements resorted to the use of force and trespassed into the mentioned mine,” the AFZ stated. “The illegal miners then circulated the video acting as victims when they are the actual perpetrators. The claims made in the video are not only inaccurate but also deliberately misleading.”

Emphasizing its zero-tolerance stance, the AFZ has vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible for both the trespass and the dissemination of the video. The statement reiterated the institution’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law.

“The AFZ wants to assure the public that it is taking this matter seriously and will pursue legal action against those responsible. We are committed to protecting our assets and maintaining the integrity of our operations,” the statement affirmed.

The incident underscores the challenges faced by both large-scale mining operations and artisanal miners in Zimbabwe. As the nation pushes to increase mining output as a key economic pillar—with initiatives like the Mutapa Investment Fund channeling money into strategic sectors, clashes over land and mineral rights are likely to continue. The AFZ’s firm response signals that state-linked entities are prepared to defend their investments aggressively.

“The AFZ strongly condemns the dissemination of such false information and urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims. The AFZ is dedicated to transparency and integrity in all our dealings. We appreciate the continued support of our stakeholders and the community as we work toward a resolution.”

In a half-year performance that shows the potent combination of strategic execution and favourable market winds, Dallaglio Holdings Limited, the gold-mining subsidiary of Padenga Holdings, has announced a staggering 204 per cent surge in profit before tax, catapulting it to US$41.31 million for the period ending June 30, 2025, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The dramatic upswing from the US$13.60 million recorded in the same period last year is largely attributed to a record-breaking bullion price and a robust operational showing from its key assets, Eureka and Pickstone mines.

According to the results released to the market this week, the group turnover surged by 41 per cent to US$123.37 million, up from US$87.68 million in the first half of 2024, providing the revenue foundation for the explosive bottom-line growth.

The narrative of Dallaglio’s success in H1 2025 is a classic tale of two powerful drivers aligning perfectly. Firstly, the global gold market provided a formidable tailwind. The average spot price for an ounce of gold during the period was US$3,106, a remarkable 41 per cent increase from the US$2,198 per ounce average in H1 2024. This bull run, driven by global macroeconomic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and central bank buying, meant that every gram of gold produced was significantly more valuable.

However, Dallaglio did not simply rely on market luck. The second driver was a 7 per cent increase in production, with output rising to 1,292 kilogrammes from 1,209 kilogrammes in the prior year. This was not achieved by chance but through improved operational efficiencies. The company reported higher mill feed grades and superior plant recoveries, particularly at its flagship Eureka Mine in Guruve, which consistently surpassed its production targets. This ability to increase both volume and value simultaneously created a multiplier effect on revenue.

EBITDA and Cash Flow: The Engines of Growth

A closer look at the financial metrics reveals the true strength of the mining operation’s performance. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) for the mining unit skyrocketed by 114 per cent to US$49.14 million. This figure is critical as it strips out non-operational factors to show the core profitability of the mining activities. The leap indicates that the company is not just selling more gold at a higher price, but is doing so with improved margin control, likely through diligent cost management despite industry-wide inflationary pressures.

Perhaps the most significant indicator of financial health is the cash generated from operations, which saw explosive growth of 183 per cent to US$38.12 million, up from US$13.49 million. This robust cash flow is the lifeblood of any capital-intensive business like mining. The company explicitly noted that this liquidity “supported continued investment in strategic growth and debt reduction.” This strategic allocation of capital is a clear signal to investors of a disciplined management approach. Reducing debt strengthens the balance sheet, lowers interest expenses, and improves resilience against future market downturns, while simultaneous investment in growth projects secures long-term value.

Padenga Agribusiness: A Tale of Two Divisions

In contrast to the mining division’s unmitigated success, the story at the Padenga Agribusiness division is one of both resurgence and restructuring. The continuing operations, primarily focused on high-value crocodile skin sales, staged a commendable comeback. Driven by a 10 per cent improvement in the average price realised per skin and the success of cost-reduction measures implemented by management, the division reported a profit before taxation of US$1.13 million. This is a sharp reversal from the loss of US$1.83 million recorded for the same period last year, demonstrating that the core business model remains viable when market conditions and internal efficiencies align.

However, this operational profit was overshadowed by the costs associated with a major strategic shift. The division recorded an overall loss of US$6.04 million for the period, stemming from a US$5.25 million loss from discontinued operations. This charge is directly linked to the company’s decision to discontinue operations at the Urungu Crocodile Farm by June 30, 2025. The loss includes a write-down of the fair value of biological assets—essentially the crocodiles that were harvested out—as well as retrenchment and other restructuring costs. While painful in the short term, this “right-sizing” exercise is viewed by analysts as a necessary step to streamline the agribusiness unit, shed unprofitable operations, and position it for a more focused and sustainable future.

Looking ahead, management has struck a tone of confident optimism. The company’s statement emphasised a “resilient business model and disciplined execution” as the bedrock of its strong profitability growth trajectory. With borrowings significantly reduced, the focus remains on “efficient cost optimisation,” a prudent strategy in an unpredictable global economy.

For the full 2025 year, Dallaglio forecasts gold production to be in line with the prior year. The real excitement, however, is reserved for 2026. This anticipation is tied directly to the ongoing development and exploration successes highlighted in the report. At Pickstone Mine, preliminary drilling results show a potential 30 per cent increase in contained ounces, with an independent review of the updated block model scheduled for the third quarter.

Simultaneously, work at Eureka to achieve steeper open-pit slope angles could extend the mine’s life. The benefits of these geological advancements are expected to fully materialise in the 2026 production cycle, setting the stage for the next phase of growth.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando has described the Zhongjin Heli Energy (Pvt) Ltd Five Mile Industrial Park as a textbook example of value addition and beneficiation, saying it should serve as a blueprint for future investments in Zimbabwe’s mining sector,Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

Located in Eastern Hwange The Zhongjin Industrial Park since it’s launch in 2023 the project has progressed tremendously with specialized focus on clean energy development, premium coke  production and also green building materials.

Speaking during a tour of the facility Mines Minister Winston Chitando said the park goes beyond traditional mining operations by integrating a full value chain that ensures maximum use of resources and minimal waste.

“This is not just a mining project, it is a true industrial park anchored on value addition and beneficiation,” he said. “Thermal coal comes in to produce electricity, and even the fly ash produced in the process is being utilised to manufacture cement there is no wastage.”

At the centre of the operation is a 235 MW power plant, with 100 MW already feeding into the grid.

The plant’s fly ash is converted into 500,000 tonnes of high-strength cement annually, generating between US$90 million and US$100 million in revenue.

Chitando added that the project is also processing metallurgical coal for higher-value uses, a phase he valued at around US$100 million. The power plant itself represents an investment of US$300 million.

“In total, the current phase of this industrial park is contributing roughly US$500 million in revenue  a significant boost to GDP and a concrete step towards achieving Vision 2030,” he said.

Zhongjin Heli Energy Managing Director Mr. Dye said the company was committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s economic transformation through its integrated industrial operations.

“We have built such a facility, a power plant, a coking plant, and a cement plant together to help build the economy of Zimbabwe in the smallest way possible that we can. So the Minister’s visit gives us much energy to continue doing more and do more contributions into the development of Zimbabwe,” Mr. Dye said.

The Minister emphasised that this model  where coal-to-power, power-to-cement, and metallurgical coal processing are all linked is exactly what government wants to see across the mining industry as part of its value-addition and beneficiation thrust.

Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO) has issued a clarion call for mining communities, civil society, industry players, and government bodies to actively prepare for upcoming public consultations on two critical pieces of legislation: the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill and the Climate Change Management Bill, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

In a comprehensive address at the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI), Mutuso Dhliwayo, the Director of ZELO, framed these legislative instruments not merely as policy updates but as a potential historic turning point for natural resource governance in Zimbabwe.

His speech moved the national conversation beyond the oft-cited “resource curse” narrative, arguing that the real deficit lies not in the ground but in the frameworks designed to manage what is extracted from it. “When you talk about natural resources, there is this common talk about natural resource gaps,” Dhliwayo stated, “but we as lawyers actually talk about the gaps of poor laws and policies, and the lack of effective implementation. We think that there is a bigger gap than there is in the natural resource gap.”

A Legacy of Advocacy and a Strategic Passing of the Baton

Dhliwayo’s address was steeped in the weight of nearly two decades of advocacy. He grounded his authority in a long-term perspective, noting he has been working on mining sector reform since 2007. “I don’t know how many ministers I’ve seen or worked with, permanent secretaries, including Chairpersons of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committees for Mines and Energy, and of course CEOs of the Chamber of Mines,” he reflected, painting a picture of a persistent struggle for reform across multiple political and industry leadership cycles.

This extensive experience informed a significant and deliberate strategic shift. Declaring that he would no longer play a “frontline role” in the detailed advocacy for the Mines Bill, Dhliwayo announced his intention to create space for a new generation. “I’ve decided to give this space to young people that may also come up with innovative ideas to make sure that this view… there is a commitment from future leaders,” he explained. This move signals a maturation of the civil society movement, focusing on sustainability and leadership development to ensure the fight for equitable resource governance continues beyond its founding figures. It is a testament to his belief that the future of this reform lies in the hands of “young people that are now driving this process.”

Imminent Parliamentary Process: A Call to Action

The core of Dhliwayo’s message was an urgent alert to all stakeholders. He shared crucial intelligence indicating that the legislative process is moving from deliberation to action. “We are told that the public hearings are going to commence very soon, that’s the intelligence that I have, that I’m sharing with you,” he revealed. This transformed the ZAMI session from a general discussion into a strategic briefing.

He explicitly outlined the dual objective of the meeting: “The first one is to prepare the Mines Bill and the Climate Change Bill for stakeholders… The second one is to help communities and other stakeholders identify the gaps that are there.” He emphasised that “stakeholders” is a broad term, encompassing not just community-based organisations but also parliamentarians, private sector miners, and artisanal small-scale miners. This inclusive approach underscores the fact that effective legislation requires buy-in and input from all parties affected by and involved in the mining sector.

A Preliminary Appraisal: Cautious Optimism for the Mines Bill

While maintaining a neutral, facilitative stance, Dhliwayo offered a preliminary and generally positive appraisal of the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill. Based on a preliminary review, he identified several provisions that align with long-standing advocacy positions of ZELA and its partners, viewing them as significant victories for progressive governance.

He highlighted several key areas of alignment:

1. Community Participation: For years, a central demand has been the meaningful involvement of communities in decisions about mining projects that affect their land and livelihoods. Dhliwayo noted, “We see some provisions there that relate to community participation.” This suggests the bill may incorporate requirements for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) or stronger consultation mechanisms, though the devil will be in the legislative details.

2. Environmental and Social Governance (ESG): The integration of robust ESG principles into mining operations is a global imperative. Dhliwayo acknowledged seeing “some very positive provisions there” related to ESG, which could include mandatory environmental impact assessments, social plans, and clearer guidelines for investor conduct.

3. Environmental Protection and EMA Collaboration: As an environmental law organisation, this is at the heart of ZELA’s mission. Dhliwayo expressed encouragement, stating, “Environmental protection, which is at the core of our work as an organisation, and collaboration with environmental management agents. I see some very important provisions there.” This points to a potential strengthening of the Environmental Management Agency’s (EMA) mandate and its role in monitoring and enforcing compliance within the mining sector.

4. Transparency and Accountability: These are foundational to combating corruption and ensuring that mineral revenues benefit the nation. Dhliwayo simply noted, “They are also there,” indicating that the bill addresses these crucial issues, possibly through requirements for public disclosure of contracts, payments, and licensing.

“So the thing is that at least this bill is moving in the right direction,” Dhliwayo concluded, offering a measured endorsement. However, his tone made it clear that this is the starting point for consultation, not the finish line. The objective now is to ensure these provisions are not diluted and are made as strong and enforceable as possible.

Synergy with Broader Reforms and Constitutional Alignment

Dhliwayo strategically positioned these bills within a wider ecosystem of ongoing governmental reforms. He specifically mentioned “serious conversations regarding the establishment of specialised courts, or environmental courts, based on the Environmental Management Agency strategy.” By doing so, he illustrated how the Mines Bill and Climate Change Bill could synergise with other initiatives, creating a comprehensive and interlocking system of accountability where specialised legislation is enforced by specialised judiciary bodies.

Furthermore, he anchored the entire reform agenda in the supreme law of the land—the Constitution of Zimbabwe. He invoked Section 13, which speaks to equitable regional development and the devolution of power, and Section 73, which enshrines the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. “It is through those conversations, through dialogue, that we are able to address those [challenges], and make sure that the provisions that are there in the Constitution of Zimbabwe… are actually going to be fulfilled,” he stated. This framing elevates the legislative process from a mere policy adjustment to a constitutional imperative, arguing that these bills are necessary to realize the promises made to the Zimbabwean people.

The Work Begins Now

Mutuso Dhliwayo’s address at ZAMI was a masterclass in strategic advocacy. It was simultaneously a reflection on a long journey, a passing of the torch, a tactical alert, and a rallying cry. By affirming that the bills are “moving in the right direction,” he provided a basis for constructive engagement rather than outright opposition. By revealing the imminence of public hearings, he created a sense of urgency and purpose. And by framing the debate within the context of constitutional rights and broader judicial reforms, he established a high-stakes platform for the coming discussions.

The message to every community monitor, every artisanal miner, every parliamentarian, and every industry leader in the room was clear: the theoretical debate is over. The text of the proposed laws is taking shape. The time for preparation is now. The hard work of scrutinising every clause, identifying every loophole, and advocating for the most robust, equitable, and enforceable legislation possible is about to begin. The success of this long-awaited reform will depend on the ability of all stakeholders to heed this call and engage meaningfully in the democratic process that lies ahead.

In an endeavour to unpack Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth, its role in the global green energy transition, and the enduring socio-economic paradox of resource abundance, Professor Tumai Murombo delivered a keynote that was as sobering as it was provocative at the 14th Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) 2025 in Bulawayo. The event brought together government ministers, traditional leaders, civil society actors, clergy, and mining communities under the banner: “From Extraction to Sustainable Development: Unlocking Zimbabwe’s Mineral Wealth for Inclusive Growth in the Just Energy Transition.”

What unfolded over a 20-minute keynote was not a conventional celebration of minerals, investment, or national pride. Instead, Prof. Murombo presented a deeply analytical, historically informed critique of the structural, political, and environmental forces that have shaped Zimbabwe’s mining sector for over a millennium. His thesis was clear: the nation’s critical minerals, while globally sought after, have historically functioned more as a curse than a blessing.

Defining Critical Minerals: Wealth or Strategic Commodity?

Critical minerals are substances deemed essential for modern technology, energy security, and industrial development. Globally, the term has gained prominence in the context of the green energy revolution—lithium for batteries, cobalt for electric vehicles, nickel for energy storage, and rare earth elements for electronics. Zimbabwe sits at the center of this discourse, endowed with significant deposits of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group metals (PGMs), as well as gold, diamonds, and chrome.

Prof. Murombo challenged the audience to confront the gap between global demand and local benefit. “These minerals,” he stated, “fuel industries, technologies, and economies elsewhere while our communities bear the costs. Who truly benefits from Zimbabwe’s critical minerals? Is it us, or the global market?”

The definition of critical minerals, he argued, cannot be limited to their economic or technological utility alone. It must encompass social justice, community well-being, environmental stewardship, and national development. Otherwise, their extraction risks repeating centuries of inequity under the guise of progress.

The Mineral Curse: A Zimbabwean Historical Lens

The “mineral curse” refers to the paradox whereby countries rich in natural resources often experience slower economic growth, weaker institutions, and persistent inequality compared to resource-poor nations. Zimbabwe provides a striking historical illustration.

Mining in Zimbabwe dates back to the 7th century, when gold from the Kingdom of Mapungubwe and later Great Zimbabwe fueled sophisticated trade networks across Southern Africa. Local rulers accrued wealth, but broad-based prosperity remained elusive. The colonial era intensified extraction. By the late 19th century, British South Africa Company (BSAC) interests had modernised mining operations, prioritising foreign profit over local development.

Prof. Murombo traced this lineage to the present: “Up to 2025, we are still crying. Mining has always been a double-edged sword—creating revenue while leaving communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods deeply scarred.”

He highlighted contemporary examples: artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) struggle with regulatory hurdles and limited access to markets, while large-scale operators generate significant export revenue yet often marginalise local communities. Open pits, tailings, and water contamination remain persistent hazards, and local employment gains are frequently modest relative to the mineral wealth extracted.

The Socio-Environmental Footprint: Wealth That Isn’t a Blessing

One of the keynote’s most powerful themes was the dissonance between economic statistics and lived realities. Zimbabwe’s mining sector contributes over 50% of GDP and 60% of exports, yet Prof. Murombo emphasised that the visible social benefits for communities are minimal.

“All the people that spoke from the provinces… I did not hear any person who was smiling and saying they benefited a lot from mineral resources. What kind of wealth is that?” he asked, prompting delegates to reflect on the human cost of extraction.

The environmental consequences are equally stark. Rivers have been contaminated, farmland degraded, and ecosystems disrupted by poorly regulated mining. Mercury and cyanide contamination from gold panning, tailings mismanagement from platinum and chrome operations, and unrehabilitated pits from lithium and base metal exploration all contribute to a chronic environmental debt.

Prof. Murombo argued that these costs are not incidental but structural: they result from the very way minerals are commoditised and governed. The “mineral curse” is not just economic; it is social, cultural, and environmental.

The “Just Energy Transition”: Hype, Appropriation, or Hope?

The term “just energy transition” has gained traction globally as nations attempt to move away from fossil fuels while promoting sustainable and equitable development. Yet, according to Prof. Murombo, the concept has been hollowed out, often appropriated by powerful actors in the Global North to secure critical minerals for their energy ambitions.

“Who has defined it? Do we own the discussions around the just energy transition? Can anyone here claim that they understand what the just energy transition is?” he asked, underscoring the absence of local agency in global energy discourse.

For Zimbabwe, this has profound implications. Lithium, cobalt, and PGMs are key to the green economy, but global markets dictate prices, terms of trade, and supply chains. The profits flow abroad, while Zimbabwean communities endure the ecological and social burdens.

Prof. Murombo’s critique went further: as long as renewable energy and green technologies are profit-driven, they will replicate the inequities of fossil-fuel economies. In other words, a transition in energy sources alone cannot dismantle centuries of structural extraction.

Human Nature and the Politics of Mining

A recurring theme in the keynote was the interplay between human nature, power, and profit. Prof. Murombo posited that self-interest, amplified by access to resources and authority, drives extractive practices and weak regulatory enforcement.

“Human beings are, by nature… self-advertising… every human being… with a spirit of self-preservation,” he said. While education, social norms, and accountability mechanisms can temper this instinct, they do not eliminate it.

This insight has tangible implications for governance. Regulating mining is not merely a legal or technical challenge—it is a struggle against deeply ingrained incentives and behaviours. Economic usefulness does not equate to ethical or social acceptability. Activities that generate profit yet harm communities, degrade land, or perpetuate inequality are the essence of the mineral curse.

A Dilemma of Governance: Doomed if You Do, Doomed if You Don’t

Prof. Murombo framed Zimbabwe’s leadership predicament as a double bind. National leaders are caught between domestic expectations for resource-led development and international pressures for compliance with climate, trade, and investment standards.

“Your people will place you as a candidate if you take the same decisions, but you will be demonised internationally… So whatever decision we take, we must be prepared to stand like this. There is no right or wrong decision…”

This dilemma is particularly visible in the electricity and energy sector. Renewable energy transitions require reliable power infrastructure, yet Zimbabwe’s energy system is constrained by underinvestment, ageing plants, and limited capital. Fossil-fuel-based solutions may provide faster economic returns but come at environmental and social costs. The leadership challenge is navigating these trade-offs while safeguarding national sovereignty and community well-being.

Zimbabwe’s Lithium: Opportunity and Risk

Lithium, central to batteries and electric vehicles, exemplifies the promise and peril of critical minerals in Zimbabwe. The country holds some of the world’s largest lithium deposits, particularly in Bikita and Arcadia. Yet extraction, processing, and revenue management remain contentious.

Prof. Murombo warned against simplistic narratives of economic transformation: “We can extract lithium quickly, supply the world, and generate revenue, but if communities remain excluded, if ecosystems collapse, and if profits are expatriated, we are merely repeating the same story.”

The lithium debate illustrates a broader tension: balancing urgent global demand, domestic development objectives, and environmental sustainability. Without careful governance, Zimbabwe risks entrenching the mineral curse even while participating in the green economy.

Lessons from History: Learning from the Past to Shape the Future

Throughout the keynote, Prof. Murombo drew lessons from Zimbabwe’s long history of mining. From pre-colonial gold kingdoms to colonial exploitation and post-independence mineral policies, a recurring pattern emerges: resource wealth has rarely translated into sustained, equitable development.

Key takeaways include:

• Community inclusion is non-negotiable: Decision-making must integrate local voices from exploration to closure.
• Environmental accountability is critical: Mining must consider long-term ecological impacts and rehabilitation.
• Global narratives require local scrutiny: International frameworks, like the just energy transition, must be adapted to national realities rather than imposed externally.
• Profit motives cannot dictate development alone: Economic growth without social equity perpetuates the mineral curse.
• These lessons suggest that transformative governance is possible but demands intellectual honesty, political courage, and structural reform.

Towards a Truly Just Transition

While the keynote was unflinching in its critique, it also implicitly offered a pathway: honesty, pragmatism, and local agency. Prof. Murombo did not prescribe specific policies but emphasised principles that could guide Zimbabwe’s mining and energy future:

• Redefining wealth: Beyond GDP and exports, wealth must include community well-being, environmental integrity, and intergenerational equity.
• Local ownership and control: Critical minerals should serve domestic development priorities, not just global markets.
• Integrated governance: Mining, energy, and environmental policies must be coordinated, transparent, and enforceable.
• Ethical investment: Foreign and local investors must adhere to standards that protect people, land, and water.
• Incremental pragmatism: Renewable energy adoption should consider technical, financial, and infrastructural realities without sacrificing sustainability goals.

Provocation as a Call to Action

Professor Tumai Murombo’s keynote at ZAMI 2025 was not merely a lecture—it was a provocation. By highlighting the persistent mineral curse, interrogating the assumptions of the just energy transition, and emphasising the centrality of human nature in resource governance, he challenged delegates to rethink Zimbabwe’s path.

The questions remain uncomfortable yet unavoidable: Can Zimbabwe harness its critical minerals without replicating historical injustices? Can communities benefit equitably while global markets continue to exert influence? Is a truly just energy transition possible when profit motives dominate?

The answers are neither simple nor immediate. Yet, as Prof. Murombo reminded the audience, confronting these realities with honesty and courage is the only way to ensure that Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth becomes a blessing rather than a centuries-old curse.