Mining Industry Prospects for 2021 Presentation
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor Doctor John Mangudya has applauded the mining sector for their input in the stabilization of the country’s economy through the foreign currency generated from exports despite the covid 19 challenges.
By Shantel Chisango
Speaking at the Launch of the 2020 State of the Mining Industry Report, Dr. Mangudya said the sector has managed to add a 14% increase in imports compared to the same period last year.
“January to September exports grew by 14% despite the covid 19 challenges to $2.4 billion from $2.1 billion reported last year around the same time”.
“Despite covid 19 challenges production is expected to rise to its peak for the Finance Minister has promised to assist all miners with what they need to increase growth in production,” said Mangudya.
The Governor added that the mining industry is the main driver behind the increase in exports and he will do
all in his power to make sure that production continues to increase.
During the Chamber of Mines (COM) Mining Industry survey report, Mangudya said the government will
implement measures to resuscitate the growth of exports from mining.
A Mining survey report also confirmed that 90% of miners are expecting a robust increase in production while 10% are adamant that production is likely to remain the same because of lack of capital.
Adding on the success of the mining industry the COM President Elizabeth Nerwande said that despite facing challenges as a nation the mining sector did not retrench any workers.
“We are pleased to announce that as of this year there has not been any shedding of jobs in the mining industry and there has been maximum output regardless of the outbreak of Covid 19,” Nerwande said.
The event was held at Cresta Lodge today with many mining gurus in attendance. The panel consisted of Mrs. Elizabeth Nerwande, Deputy Mines Minister Hon Polite Kambamura, Governor Mangudya and Mines Minister Winston Chitando.
Notable heavyweights in the audience included Mines Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Chairperson Hon Edmond Mkaratigwa and Bindura Nickel Corp boss Mr. Batirai Manhando and many others we could not positively identify due to the mandatory wearing of Masks.
See the presentation below:-
BREAKING: Rushwaya remanded in custody
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation President Ms. Henrietta Rushwaya has been remanded in custody.
Rushwaya was arrested yesterday at Robert Mugabe International Airport for not properly clearing 6kgs of gold in her possession with Customs and relevant offices for export.
More to follow…
No preferential treatment for Rushwaya – Police
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on its Twitter page has denied releasing Henrietta Rushwaya following her arrest at Robert Mugabe International Airport yesterday.
“ZRP reiterates that Henrietta Rushwaya was arrested and detained at Harare Central last night. She will appear in court today. Allegations that she was released without being taken to court are not correct and should be dismissed,” read the tweet.
Rushwaya was arrested yesterday for being in possession of 6kgs of gold which had not been legally and properly cleared with Customs and relevant offices for export.
“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Henrietta Rushwaya at RGM International Airport this afternoon after scanners at the airport checkpoint indicated that there was something in her hand luggage”.
“As a result, searches revealed that the suspect had 6,09kgs of gold which had not been legally and properly cleared with Customs and relevant offices for export. This is a suspected smuggling case and Police are now conducting investigations,” read the Police report.
ZRP reiterates that Henrietta Rushwaya was arrested and detained at Harare Central last night. She will appear in court today. Allegations that she was released without being taken to court are not correct and should be dismissed.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) October 27, 2020
Rushwaya is the President of Zimbabwe’s largest Mining body the ZMF which is an authorized gold buyer.
ZMF statement on the arrest of Rushwaya
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has released a statement following the arrest of its President Ms Henrietta Rushwaya.
Rushwaya was arrested yesterday at the Robert Mugabe International Airport for possession of gold destined for the UAE.
The ZMF press release signed by the Chief Executive Officer Mr Wellington Takavarasha reads as follows:-
“The ZMF has learnt of the arrest of its President Ms Henrietta Rushwaya and is following the case closely. As an organization we are aware that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. We have had the privilege to hear Ms Rushwaya’s side of the story and believe in her innocence. We anticipate that Ms Rushwaya will be taken to court tomorrow for possible initial appearance as part of due process. In the interim we remain committed towards executing our mandate and vision as an organization”
Shona English Mining Dictionary
Chiguruguru – Small ball mill
Chitofu – Ore
Mbara – Waste
Mahefa – Bad hangings
Chitokororo – Short hole
Njomboro – drill steel
Bhutsu – Drillbits
Smoko – Compressed air
Chikepe – Skip
Chidhakwa – Diaphragm pump
Majeratina – Fracture explosives
Kugwara- Barring down
Kuraicha – Lashing
Chikweshe – Oil skin
Kukarisa – Collaring
Nyerani – A lazy employee
Sporo – Tracks
Mugwara – Pinch bar
Ngorovan – Cocopan
Chinyua – Airleg
Henrietta Rushwaya arrested
ZRP reports the Zimbabwe Miners Federation President (ZMF) Ms Henrietta Rushwaya has been arrested.
1/2 The ZRP confirms the arrest of Henrietta Rushwaya at RGM International Airport this afternoon after scanners at the airport checkpoint indicated that there was something in her hand luggage.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) October 26, 2020
More to follow…
Mishandling of explosives endangering ASM
Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is planning to hold an all miner’s awareness campaign to curb mining accidents, an official said.
By Shantel Chisango
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, Ministry of Mines’ Engineer Michael Munodawafa said the number of accidents in mines has increased over the recent months and there is a need to educate miners about operating mines.
Engineer Munodawafa said the reason why most accidents occur is that miners are handling explosives without proper knowledge thereby endangering lives.
“Most miners are unaware of what they are supposed to do in mines, and if they are aware they rarely follow the right procedures necessary, “said Eng Munodawafa.
Munodawafa also said miners are skeptical about the Mining Ministry visiting them because of fear of being found on the wrong side of the law hence making it difficult to conduct awareness campaigns.
“We once did an awareness campaign about mining in Mutare, sadly we did not get the outcome we were expecting for only one miner was okay with us using his mine for the survey, the rest feared they might be arrested for being found on the wrong side of the law”.
He added that all miners will be expected to hand in their mining proposal before engaging in any work to allow them to enforce all the procedures which might be needed on the field.
“We are lobbying a requirement to have a proper plan before a mine starts operating, the plan must be updated now and then and must be submitted to the Ministry of Mines for verification, added Engineer Munodawafa.
Miners must have qualified surveyors to make sure that mining processes are correctly followed and that life will not be endangered.
Vast Resources Confirms Copper Concentrate Production at Baita Plai
Vast Resources plc, the AIM-listed mining company, is pleased to confirm that following the announcement of 7 October 2020 the flotation plant is now fully operational and producing concentrate.
The Company also wishes to update the market that it is on track to surpass its initial copper sales delivery target included in the project production and associated operational cashflow forecasts announced on 7 September 2020 and expects to complete the initial production of copper concentrate by the end of October 2020, and deliver between 350-400 tonnes of copper concentrate to Mercuria as soon as possible thereafter.
The Company looks forward to updating the market upon successful completion of this concentrate sale to Mercuria.
Press Release
UNKI performance increases production despite Corona virus challenges
Zimbabwe’s second-largest Platinum producer Unki Mines, a subsidiary of the Anglo-American Platinum’s productions increased by 14 percent in the quarter ended 30 September 2020 compared to the comparable quarter in 2019.
Shantel Chisango
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Anglo-American Platinum Natasha Viljoen attributed the increase in production to lower volumes recorded in Amandelbult.
‘The strong performances at Mogalakwena, Unki and Mototolo were partly offset by lower volume from Amandelbult. The Company reached 94% of its normal operating levels at its own mined operations at the end of the quarter.’
The company also recorded a Platinum Group Metals (PGM) production increase of 12% to 60 000 ounces.
Viljoen also said that despite the lower productions from other joints operations Unki has managed to increase productions.
‘Due to the overall strong M&C production performance in Q3 2020, we have increased our full-year M&C production guidance to between 3.6 – 3.8 million PGM ounces, she said.
PGM sales volumes for the year will remain highly dependent on the level of refined production in the fourth quarter of 2020.