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Machete wielding gang storm GZU

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Machete wielding gang storm GZU

Machete-wielding gang notoriously known as “Mashurugwi” attacked students at Great Zimbabwe University Mashava Campus on Saturday evening.

The gang popularity led by one called Tinashe invaded Chemberi hall were the students were entertaining themselves in an event which was called the “Clash of the DJs”.

The gang allegedly tried to force themselves onto the stage which was resisted by organisers of the show prompting them to attack any student in their path.

Three students were seriously wounded while about 300 sustained minor injuries.

More to follow….

VAST resources to soon commence diamond operations in Chiadzwa

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VAST resources to soon commence diamond operations in Chiadzwa

VAST Resources (Vast) will soon commence operations at its Zimbabwean unit, with the government indicating that all internal processes leading to the conclusion of the joint venture (JV) would be finalised in March this year.

The AIM-listed mining company, Vast, is currently working on the JV agreement between its majority-owned Katanga Mining and Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) concerning the Chiadzwa Community Diamond Project.

Katanga Mining is a joint venture company between Vast and the Chiadzwa Community Development Trust while ZCDC is wholly owned by the Government of Zimbabwe.

The company recently revealed that it has “received official communication from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to the effect that all internal processes leading to the conclusion of the Joint Venture are expected to be finalised during March 2020.”

It said further details pertaining to this key process would be communicated to the market as and when they occur.

In an interview with Mining Zimbabwe Vast Resources Zimbabwe director Mark Mabhudhu, however, declined to share intricate details about the deal.

“Unfortunately, at this stage, we are under sanction in terms of what information we can release. We are also obliged to release information to the stock exchange. Also at this stage because we have not signed the agreement and stuff like that, it will be prejudicial,” he said.

Vast is an AIM-listed mining company with mining and exploration interests in Romania and Zimbabwe.

It is focused on the rapid advancement of high-quality brownfield projects by recommencing production at previously producing mines in Romania and commencement of the joint venture mining agreement on the Chiadzwa Community Concession Block of the Chiadzwa diamond fields in Zimbabwe.

The company’s portfolio includes an 80% interest in the Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine in Romania, where work is currently underway towards developing and recommissioning the mine and the Community Concession Block in Chiadzwa, Zimbabwe.

Vast resources is well known in Zimbabwe as a former shareholder at Pickstone Peerless gold mine and the Eureka gold mine.

It also owns the Manaila Polymetallic Mine in Romania, which was commissioned in 2015, currently on care and maintenance.

This article first appeared in the Mining Zimbabwe March 2020 issue

Beware of fake geophysics

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Beware of fake geophysics

I have been getting a lot of small miners contacting me about the problems they face the most and one immediately stands out!

By Edward Mushaninga

It has come to my attention that there are individuals masquerading as geophysicists and charging as high as 2500usd a claim to carry out their so called geophysical surveys which apparently tell you the depth and grade of the reef/belt.

This is in fact not true! This is not what geophysicist do and what their machines show. They do not show the grade of the reef just by carrying out surveys. Only diamond drilling can show grade at those depths. Geophysical surveys are very useful if done by the right professional and qualified people. At times these fake geophysicists do not even use geophysical machines like a magnetometer etc but use detectors and claim that at such and such a depth you will find a belt with this much grade.

I have already spoken to two such victims who have now dug as deep as 30m and still have not found anything and have wasted time and money for nothing which is sad.

I have noticed that most scale miners rely too much on gold detectors, but detectors have their limits and are mainly useful for gold nugget prospecting. I would recommend small scale miners to do more sampling around their area, this is still one of the best methods of locating your high grade e.g random sampling or grid sampling can be used.

We also offer Mining Consultancy and Geological Surveys. You can contact Edward on 0777867412 or email: edwardmush6@gmail

Operation Chikorokoza Chapera affecting partially registered miners

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Operation Chikorokoza Chapera affecting partially registered miners

Operation Chikorokoza Chapera is affecting us big time because as Makorokoza who had been allowed by the government to operate we called for help to weed out criminal elements and murderers who were causing havoc in our sector, unknowingly by engaging our government we were shooting ourselves in the foot.

It is baffling that the Police cannot differentiate between a miner and a thief even in the presence of overwhelming evidence. Confisticating hammer mills, compressors, and jackhammers which do not symbolize tools of trade by thieves and murderers leave a lot to be desired.

Makorokozas for years earned decent incomes from their hard labour without government support. We have families to feed just like soldiers whom the government wants to cushion with the introduction of Garrison shops. We have contributed heavily to government coffers and tried many many times to regularise our operations through mines provincial offices without success but surprisingly we are getting penalised by compulsory arrests and operation stoppages.

Makorokozas are going to lose their mine sites to big and rich guys who will take over highly producing partially registered claims as we all know that our documents will not be processed. Government through the Ministry of Mines cannot afford a photocopier for their Chinhoyi office but Makorokozas get penalised for not having licenses.

Makorokozas travel up and down to provincial offices trying to regularise their operations but government department of mines does not have the manpower, motor vehicles nor fuel to attend or carry out their mandated responsibility and its so sad, an operation is effected on the affected, with the Makorokoza now branded “illegal miner”. Makorokozas invested heavily in the sector through, manpower, time, finance, machinery and research and government through its departments were supposed to consider the impact of the “Chikorokoza Chapera” operation.

Unemployment is very high in our country and it seems they want us to depend on donors. By stopping Makorokozas, the country increases the risk of surging crime. We haven’t heard of police officers being fired for failing to combat crime but when it comes to us an operation was put into force with no notice. A huge door for corruption has been opened by the operation as the rich will be grabbing from the poor, the poor will remain poorer.

Chinese who brought in hammers mills, compressors and jackhammers made their loot by selling equipment to Makorokozas in forex through government permission and regulations on imports but surprisingly the miners got their possessions repossessed by the very government. Skilled personnel is getting displaced in search of greener pastures away from the mining sector. Prisons and police cells are awash with innocent people arrested for being at a mine site. The much short income will be lost in the legal process of having miners released from holding cells or through the courts. During arrest miners are traumatised, families affected, income lost the list is endless.

We appeal to the Ministry of Mines to speed up our applications and issue us with certificates. We followed every procedure the onus is on the Ministry to get us going. “Chikorokoza Chapera” although out to root out criminal elements has affected multitudes of innocent, hard-working honest miners.

As Makorokozas we pray to God that if only Ministries can unite and share notes, until then, they will realise that we are victims of a malfunctioning system of each independent Ministry or government department.

This article first appeared in the March 2020 issue of the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine

Government to add 15 more gold centres before year end

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Government to add 15 more gold centres before year end

Minister of Mines and Mining Development has announced that the government is adding 15 more gold centres before the end of 2020.

The Minister said this in an interview with a local paper in line with attaining the 12billion Mining Industry by 2023.

With the geology of the country making some gold deposits more amenable to small-scale mining operations as opposed to conglomerate mining, the Government also continues to explore ways to boost production in small scale gold mining.

It is against this background that the Government is now stepping up efforts to set up gold centres to facilitate the ease of doing business for small-scale miners and at least five of these are expected to start operating before the end of June. Fifteen more are expected to come into the stream before the end of the year.

“At the same time, Government is rolling out a total of 20 gold centres to facilitate and promote small scale production of gold whereby these gold centres will play a facilitatory role in the operations of small scale miners,” said Minister Chitando. 

“The first five should be operational by June and the other 15 we are targeting November,” he said.

Gold buying

Fidelity Printers and Refiners (FPR) is licensed to buy gold from large scale producers, small scale producers, and holders of gold buying permits. The company has decentralised its buying activities from Harare to cover the entire country, thereby significantly reducing the security risks associated with transporting gold for the small scale sector. Gold delivered to the centres is paid for on the spot after carrying out a specific gravity determination of the gold content. The customer has an option to select the assay method for a particular deposit or the specific gravity method.  However, if the miner opts for the fire assay method, payment will then be made after the analysis which is carried out at the Head Office in Harare.

The current Gold buying centres are:

Name Address Phone Email
HarareNo. 1 George Drive, Msasa263 242-486670, +263 242-486694, +263 242-487131, +263 242-447810-5[email protected]
BulawayoZB Bank Fife Street Branch Corner 10th Ave/Fife st, Bulawayo+263 292 880175/80, +263 292-883709/+263 292 68766[email protected]
Gwanda ZB Bank Shop No 8 NSSA Complex+263 284 2820957/ +263 775 215 272/+263 772 526 357[email protected]
FilabusiInsiza RDC Offices, Stand 171B Mthwakazi+263 775 215 437/+263 84 2801527/+263 777 137 481/+263 783 861 916[email protected]
ZvishavaneZB Bank No 86 Robert Mugabe Way+263 39 2353539/+263 772 455 741[email protected]
GweruZB Bank No 69 Robert Mugabe Way+263 54 2220328/ +263 774 700 231[email protected]
KwekweZB Bank No 90 Robert Mugabe Way+263 55 2526084/+263 773 487 113[email protected]
KadomaZB Bank No. 42 Robert Mugabe Street+263 68 212004/+263 774 769 286[email protected]
MasvingoZB Bank No 39 Robert Mugabe Way+263 39 22265288/+263 775 215 261[email protected]
MutareZB Bank 88 Hebert Chitepo Street+263 2061006/+263 775 215 259[email protected]
BinduraZB Bank No 28 Robert Mugabe Way+263 66 2106854/+263 774 111 466[email protected]
ChinhoyiZB Bank No 47 Magamba Way+263 67 2121010/+263 775 021 720[email protected]

Interview: Moshen Jena – Explosives Engineering and Blasting Specialist

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Interview: Moshen Jena – Explosives Engineering and Blasting Specialist

Inside Mining Zimbabwe (IMZ) this month sat down with a man popular in the mining circles for the splendid work he is doing.

Moshen Jena (MJ) is an Explosives Engineering and Blasting Specialist currently working for the biggest explosives supplying company, AEL Intelligent Blasting Zimbabwe.

KS Good day Moshen Jena, a brief introduction of yourself.

MJ Thank you Mining Zimbabwe for having me. I am a results-oriented and innovative Explosives Engineering specialist with more than 10 years of cumulative experience in the industry. I have extensive knowledge of explosives, blast designing, blast planning, execution, post-blast analysis, blast technical support, and training, value-adding trials, explosives incidents investigations and management of big projects.

I am working for one of the biggest explosives supplying companies, AEL Intelligent Blasting Zimbabwe, as the Explosives Manager for the Zimplats Project. I am a holder of an Honours Degree in Mining Engineering (UZ 2009), Explosives Engineering (AEL 2016) and Masters in Business Administration (MSU 2019). Currently, I am pursuing a Masters in Explosives Engineering with Missouri Science and Technology.  I am an active member of the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE).

Though I am based at Zimplats, I have done work or been involved in Blasting Technical work for several mining and construction companies including Unki, Mimosa, KW Blasting, Trojan, Murowa Diamonds, Cam and Motor, Great Dyke Investments just but to name a few.

KS When is it decided that blasting is necessary at Mining level?

MJ Blasting is one of the key processes that one will encounter at a hard rock mining project. It is done to loosen or break consolidated material or hard rock. Blasting is called for as soon as you finish your free dig material (loose material that you can load with your loading machinery). In a typical mining, setup blasting can start right at the start of the project when construction work is done in trenching, digging foundations for infrastructure, overburden stripping, mine development work as well as blasting of the ore benches or stopes right through to demolition of the infrastructure.

KS What precautions are taken to ensure no lives are harmed during blasting?

MJ Every blast should be designed with care to manage environmental constraints such as fly rock, blast-induced ground vibrations, blasting fumes, noise, and air blasts. Before taking the blast one needs to make sure that they have cleared the blast danger zone of all people and equipment.

KS Is it safe to blast underground operations or it’s just for an open cast?

MJ With proper blast designing it’s safer to blast underground (my opinion). Almost all the underground mines are using drilling and blasting to break rock save for a few exceptional tunnelling projects that use tunnel boring machines.

KS How common is the Explosives Engineering profession and what would you say to those who are interested in becoming like Engineer Moshen Jena?

MJ Every Miner or Mining engineering professional is taught the basics of drilling and blasting. After completing a Learner Miners program at a mine and satisfying the requirements in terms of the number of shifts that are required, one is examined by a board set up by the Ministry of Mines and awarded with a Full Blasting Licence (FBL). Whereas, for one to be an Explosives Engineer, one needs to go for specialised rigorous training offered by Explosives Manufacturing Companies such as AEL Intelligent Blasting and a few Universities abroad that offer the same course. In Zimbabwe, there are only a handful of qualified explosives Engineers that I know of and currently, I am the only registered member of the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE). This is going to change soon, as we have already started grouping to register a Southern African Chapter of ISEE. This will help in advancing the science and art of explosives engineering.

KS What should one consider before buying explosives?

MJ Many different types of explosives exist on the market and they have different properties and applications. When choosing the type of explosive to use at a particular project one needs to have an understanding of the following:

  • Geology and rock mechanics of the rock.
  • Environmental factors of the area to be blasted.
  • Post-handling processes (loading, hauling, crushing e.t.c)
  • Properties of the explosives to be used.
  • Blast performance expectations.

Only after understanding these, then one can choose the right type of explosives to use in a particular job.

KS What would you say is a successful blasting?

MJ A successful blast is one that is safe and all the quality expectations are met. No injuries or damage to equipment and all the blasting KPIs such as fragmentation, advance, grade, perimeter control, etc. are met.

KS You are managing Explosives at one of Zimbabwe’s biggest and most progressive mines what would you say has been your biggest challenge at Zimplats?

MJ Zimplats is a demanding customer. Its operations are world-class and at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. On the other hand, AEL Intelligent Blasting offers a holistic approach to help its customers on their unique journey to optimal blast outcomes through IntelliBlast™, a model which brings out the superlative way AEL has always operated. With the help of our differentiated products and services, we partner with the mine on their journey to optimal blast outcomes, perfecting every step of the way.

KS What would you say is your greatest achievement in blasting?

MJ I have done so many value-adding projects in the explosives industry but one stands out for me. The project was entitled, Perimeter control in the incompetent ground. The project was on perimeter control in bad ground that I submitted as part of my Explosives Engineering course. The project was voted to be the best in 2017 and matched the standard that had been set by my friend and fellow Explosives Engineer, Vincent Tsoriyo. The project opened many avenues for me and I ended up being invited to present at the ISEE conference in 2018 in San Antonio.

KS More small-scale miners are using explosives. Are they doing it right? What’s your advice on correct blasting?

MJ True, there is a huge market for explosives in the small-scale mining sector and everyone agrees that this is a sector not to be ignored. My only worry is on training and technology adoption. If you look at the people who are handling explosives and conducting blasting operations you will notice that there is a big training gap and they continue to use the same blasting technology that has been passed to them by their predecessors. With proper training and the correct selection of explosives, the sector will notice an improvement in safety and productivity.

KS Many professionals in big mining organisations are of the notion that ASM are a bunch that are trying too hard but do not have the expertise but the truth of the matter is they are here to stay. Let’s say we get together people like yourself, the likes of Patrick Takaedza, Maison Phiri, just to mention a few to conduct workshops with organisations like ZMF. Can we not see an improvement in the ASM industry?

MJ I tell you Zimbabwe is well endowed with both natural and human resources to take it to the top. The only problem, is we are not singing from the same hymn. It’s up to the organisations like ZMF to pull together the different mining and processing professionals and have them work towards a common good.  Only last month, I presented at a training workshop organised by ZMF and the Zimbabwe School of Mines targeting small to medium-scale miners. The conference brought together various specialists in the mining industry together with academia.  The response from the Miners was overwhelming and I am convinced if such efforts are continued we will witness bigger things coming from the sector.

KS We once ran an article about you shining at the International Society of Explosives Engineer conference in America, in 2018. What has happened since then?

MJ That was an eye-opening opportunity and I am very grateful to my employers (AEL) for the exposure to an international audience. I got two more international invites in 2019, which I turned down to concentrate on my MBA Degree. However locally I have been very active, conducting public lectures at institutions like the University of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe School of Mines and various mining houses. Now that I have finished the MBA, please reserve a column in your magazine because there is a lot on the cards.

KS If there is anything you can change regarding the policy on blasting what would it be?

MJ The mining industry is moving with technology, but if you look at our policies they have remained stagnant and slowly becoming irrelevant. There is a need for a review of the Explosives Act and its regulations. I am glad to be one of the chosen to participate in the review of the act and the regulations.

KS Off work how do you spend your time?

MJ Moshen Jena is a family man, farmer and devout member of the ZAOGA FIF. I spend most of my time with my family, at the farm in Marondera or at Church in Redcliff where I stay.

KS Thank you Moshen Jena for giving us the opportunity and taking the time to talk to us. I hope our readers have learnt much from this conversation.

Moshen Jena Thank you very much for the wonderful work that you guys are doing.

This article first appeared in the March 2020 issue of the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine

Applications for gemstone dealing rejected

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Applications for gemstone dealing rejected

Most (if not all) Applications for the buying and selling gemstones on behalf of the MMCZ were unsuccessful mainly due to potential dealers not being able to meet the financial requirements. This was confirmed by those who were called to a meeting by the institution.

Interested individuals warmed up to the idea and saw it as the opening up the gemstone buying and selling market. MMCZ had invited interested citizens to be agents who will buy and sell gemstones on behalf of the Corporation. The move which aims at bringing in transparency and curbing corruption in the gemstone market had attracted the attention of Miners and Zimbabwean citizens from all walks of life.

Although the exact financial requirements have not been made public indicators are small-scale miners who are the primary gemstone producers are highly unlikely to qualify as they had taken the most interest in gemstone dealing.

Many African countries openly deal in Gemstones without stringent requirements creating opportunities for the citizenry. Below is an example of children selling their stones at an open market in Mozambique. 

 

The following was the Invitation by MMCZ to local gemstone marketers.

Interested Zimbabwean citizens (individuals and Corporates) are invited to submit an expression of interest to be considered and licensed as MMCZ sub-agents to purchase colored gemstones around the country and selling same through the Corporation as per MMCZ act chapter 21:04 MMCZ Gemstones sub agents are appointed in terms of SI 256 of 2019. The function of an MMCZ gemstone sub-agents is to buy colored gemstones from small scale miners within Special Grants as defined in the SI 256 of 2019 and sell the colored gemstones through Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe.

Terms of reference of the MMCZ Gemstones Sub-agents:

1. The MMCZ Gemstone Sub-agent shall keep in the prescribed form a register in which he/she shall enter, in respect of the colored gemstones dealing, such details relating to-

(a) the amount thereof purchased during the month

(b) the amount thereof held by him/her at the end of the preceding month

(c) the date of transaction

(d) the name and address of the other party to the transportation

(e) the nature and mass of the colored gemstones involved

(f) the price, if any paid or received

2. The MMCZ Gemstone Subagent shall later than the tenth day of each month submit monthly returns to MMCZ in the prescribed format in respect of gemstones purchased in the prior month.

3. If the MMCZ Gemstone Subagent is in possession of colored gemstones in excess of what is recorded in his/her register in terms of SI 256 of 2019 he/she shall be deemed to be in unlawful possession of such excess unless he proves to the contrary

4. An MMCZ Gemstone Subagent shall be obliged to sell whatever he/she would have acquired as per Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) act Chapter 21.04

5. Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall have their licenses canceled.

To be considered for selection, prospective citizens must meet the following criteria:-

1. Must be Zimbabwean Citizen (individual or Corporate)

2. Have sufficient knowledge of gemstones e.g identifying, grading and pricing.

3. Ability to self-fund operations (proof of funds)

4. No criminal record- police clearance

5. An adequate understanding of the Mines and Minerals Act and MMCZ Act

6. Proof of resident/ secure offices.

Afrochine pays Oliken for Chrome mined by a middle aged couple, couple seeks justice

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Afrochine pays Oliken for Chrome mined by a middle aged couple, couple seeks justice

A middle-aged couple allocated chrome claims by an Afrochine agent lost over 20 tonnes of Chrome to Oliken (Pvt) ltd a Kwekwe based company which claims the couple was stealing the chrome from their site.

The Couple, Mr. and Mrs. Kanengoni first approached Afrochine to seek tributaries. Afrochine then directed the couple to an agent who was in charge of allocating claims on their behalf for tributary mining. The couple was allocated claims they should work on then proceeded to start mining. After mining over they contacted Afrochine who in turn sent inspectors and a truck to collect chrome. The couple got paid and continued working as usual.

“We approached Afrochine and were directed to an agent who gave us claims to work on. We produced chrome, Afrochine inspectors came graded our product and were paid per grade as usual”

This continued as usual with the couple smiling to the bank.

A dispute arose when the couple had spent three months mining and pilling chrome then raised over 20 tonnes of chrome followed the usual procedure. The Afrochine representative by the name of Mlaudzi inspected the chrome and a truck came and collected. To their surprise the next day a man called and claimed the Kanengonis’ had been stealing chrome from Olikem claims. Afrochine then proceeded to pay the Olikem instead of the couple without any consultations or any form of explanation. The Kanengonis only got to find out about this when they made payment follow up.

“To our surprise, a man called claiming we were stealing chrome from his company’s claims. We were shocked when we made a payment follow up that the man’s company (Olikem) had been paid. We protested to Afrochine why this was as we had never been summoned and the complainant to clarify the whole issue” said Mrs. Kanengoni “It was unbelievable as we did not just start mining from nowhere but an Afrochine agent had given us the claims on behalf of Afrochine. How is it that we mine for three straight months no one approaches us but when we submit chrome we are informed we had been stealing?”

This reporter then contacted Mr. Mugwaku the Oliken manager who said it was he who discovered the theft.

“My brother I intercepted a truck loading chrome and demanded Afrochine pays for the chrome that was being stolen from us” He said. When asked if Olikem had approached the “illegal miners” or taken any measures of stopping “the theft” or involve the Police like ZIMASCO had previously done he said,” No we have not since this is the first time this had happened”

The couple disputes that the Oliken manager had ever approached them or let alone been on site.

“Afrochine despite having given us the claims decided to pay someone else and imagine how difficult this was on us after putting in the time and labor then someone else got the payment. We have never seen this Mugwaku guy at the site. Our daughter’s dowry had just been paid and we used that money as capital”, The distraught Mrs. Kanengoni said. “If we can at least get the money we used for operations and labor it is better rather than lose everything to something that’s not of our own making”.

Afrochine then insisted we meet with the Oliken people and advised we go to their offices to get the matter sorted. Mr. Kanengoni went to the said place and could not find anyone and some people they said they should approach were non-existent.

“My husband went to the said place but could not get anyone. People who were in the area told me the office was hardly operational. We tried calling but only got excuse after excuse. When I called the manager he said he doesn’t know about us why should he entertain us. He insists we get our money where we delivered our chrome and stop bothering him. The Oliken manager is always rude but when Afrochine calls him in our presence he sounds sincere and acts as if he wants to resolve the issue when he does not. We never just walked on to the claims but were allocated by an Afrochine representative on their behalf, this is so unfair”.

The couple approached the Police who in turn accused the couple of stealing, threatened them with arrest to which the couple explained how they been allocated the place. The Police then advised them to find a solution with Oliken and Afrochine.

Oliken is currently not mining anywhere in the area as the manager admitted and the couple is suspicious this might be a syndicate between Afrochine employees and some unscrupulous characters using people to work and producing minerals then someone claims the product is from their mine then gets paid for it.

The Oliken manager said the couple should approach them so that they can reach an amicable solution.

The middle-aged couple resorted to approaching Norton miners Association who tried in vain to get the issue sorted as their messages were ignored. Messages sent to Afrochine Manager Mr. Ben by this publication and Norton Miners Association went unanswered.

This article first appeared in the March 2020 Issue of the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine

STATEMENT: Creation of currency stabilisation task force

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STATEMENT: Creation of currency stabilisation task force

Minister of Finance today addressed the country today against a background of recent exchange rate volatility, which has translated into unsustainable levels of inflation. In this regard, he said, the Government is taking measures to stabilise the exchange rate and top bring down inflation to sustainable levels in order to achieve macro-economic stability.

By the time of writting this post the Parrarel market rate was at 1us$ to 40zwl

See the full statement below

PRESS STATEMENT FX.pdf

 

Legal wrangle stalls Kamativi project

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Legal wrangle stalls Kamativi project

THE US$1,4 billion lithium mining project in Matabeleland North faces a fresh hurdle after Beijing Pinchang approached the Supreme Court challenging a recent High Court ruling granting the Zimbabwe Lithium Company mining rights of the tailings dump in Kamativi.

The Zimbabwe Lithium Company was involved in a legal battle two years ago over mining rights at the tailings dump at Kamativi with Beijing Pinchang, a Chinese firm, which in recent years expressed interest in reviving operations at the defunct tin mine. The dispute delayed activity towards re-opening of the mine.

The matter was heard at the High Court in Harare under case number HC8070/18 and in January this year, the High Court ruled in favour of Zimbabwe Lithium Company over mining rights at the tailings dump, paving way for the firm to begin processes to re-open the mine.

Zimbabwe Lithium Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jimbata, had targeted to resume production at the mine last year but the deadline was missed because of the legal battle.

In an interview yesterday, Jimbata managing director, Mr John McTaggart, said the agreement between his organisation and Government gives them the sole rights to the tailings dump.

“We have another issue with the Chinese (Beijing Pinchang). They are now trying to take the dump back from us again. They have now appealed to the Supreme Court. All this happening is delaying investment and employment.

“We have got 250 people that we need to employ and it’s also against the ‘Open for Business’ mantra by the President (Mnangagwa). So, it’s a real problem,” he said.

Beijing Pinchang has approached the Supreme Court under case number SC75/20, challenging the High Court ruling granted in favour of Zimbabwe Lithium Company.

Following the High Court ruling, the lithium miner intended to install a US$10 million main plant between June and July this year prior to the establishment of a pilot plant, which was being imported from South Africa as the company sought to resuscitate operations at Kamativi.

About 250 people were expected to be employed under the first phase of the project. Before starting operations, the company had pledged to rehabilitate the road network to the mine as well as upgrade power infrastructure.

In March 2018, Jimbata undertook an evaluation exercise that entailed drilling holes to depths of 1 500 metres as well as sampling to determine the lithium resource in the tailings dumps at the disused mine. 

The results were then used for production of the NI 43-101 Compliant Resource Estimate for the Kamativi Tailings Project. In line with the Government’s call for beneficiation of mineral resources, Jimbata was also looking at beneficiating spodumene to lithium carbonate.

Kamativi Mine, which was wholly owned by the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC), was closed in 1994 due to the depressed international prices of tin.

Source: Chronicle

ZMDC has since partnered Jimbata to revive operations at the mine and focus is on producing lithium. Government has said up to seven minerals can be extracted at Kamativi after geologists confirmed a rich mix of deposits.

Lithium production is fast emerging as a potential game changer for Zimbabwe’s mining industry and economy at large as foreign investors have shown commitment towards the exploitation of the mineral.

Zimbabwe is endowed with vast lithium deposits but production is still lagging behind other global producers of the mineral, with only one company Bikita Minerals, presently producing while a similar mining project, Arcadia Lithium project is being developed by Prospect Resources in Goromonzi.

Source: Chronicle

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