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Angola is preparing to change the fuel supply story in Southern Africa. The country’s 30,000 barrel per day Cabinda refinery, its first since independence more than fifty years ago, is expected to start producing fuel before the end of 2025.

By Ryan Chigoche

At the inauguration ceremony, attended by President João Lourenço, Oil and Gas Minister Diamantino Azevedo declared:

“Today we can confirm that the Cabinda refinery is entering its decisive phase and that by the end of the year, Angola will have the first commercial derivatives produced at this unit.”

The refinery is a major breakthrough for Angola, but its significance stretches beyond national borders. As the only oil producer in the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC), Angola holds the key to reshaping how the region secures its fuel.

For decades, SADC countries have imported the bulk of their refined petroleum from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

This dependence drains more than US$3 billion every month from African economies into Asia. If member states were to support Angola’s refining capacity and source fuel closer to home, that money could stay within the region, circulating through local economies and building industries instead of enriching foreign markets.

London-based Gemcorp, the main shareholder in the project, says the refinery’s first phase will meet between 5 to 10% of Angola’s fuel demand. A second phase is already planned, which will double output to 60,000 barrels per day and add a hydrocracking unit for diesel and jet fuel production.

Angola’s state owned Sonangol, which owns 10% of the plant, will supply the crude feedstock. Despite being Africa’s second largest oil producer, Angola still imports about 72% of its fuel needs, around 3.3 million metric tonnes annually. The Cabinda refinery is seen as the first step in breaking that cycle.

The impact of such a shift would be especially felt in Zimbabwe. The country has some of the steepest fuel prices in the region, ranking second highest in SADC and fourth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Petrol and diesel currently sell between US$1.55 and US$1.60 per litre, according to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority.

In 2023, Zimbabwe spent US$1.55 billion on refined fuel imports, its largest single import item. Its biggest suppliers were the Bahamas (US$469M), Singapore (US$413M), and Bahrain (US$325M).

This reliance on faraway markets not only keeps prices high but also exposes Zimbabwe to global shocks. Political tensions in the Gulf, for example, often trigger sudden oil price spikes that ripple through to Harare’s fuel pumps.

Buying from Angola would be different. It could bring prices down, ensure more stable supplies, and protect Zimbabwe from external volatility.

Just as importantly, it would keep money circulating within SADC instead of leaving the continent.

The Cabinda refinery is therefore more than national infrastructure; it is a chance for the region to reset.

With billions of dollars flowing out of SADC every month for imported fuel, the need for cooperation has never been greater. For Angola, this is about becoming Southern Africa’s energy hub.

For the rest of the bloc, Zimbabwe included, it is about whether leaders are ready to trade with one another, lower costs, and build resilience.

This refinery could well be the catalyst for that long overdue shift.

In a move that has left many in the mining community questioning the fairness of Zimbabwe’s judicial system, three Chinese nationals caught red-handed conducting illegal alluvial mining operations in Karoi have been let off with a mere US$200 fine each, while a citizen was sentenced to two years, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The Chinese trio, Li Taisen (30), Wang Jinyan (57), and Xia Lin (52), appeared before the Karoi Magistrates’ Court on September 2, facing charges of working without valid permits and contravening environmental laws.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the three had established a mining camp and commenced operations along the ecologically sensitive Angwa River in the Dete area between July 25 and 28. They were arrested on July 28 after failing to produce any work permits authorising their activities.

Their punishment? A paltry US$200 fine or two months in prison. For a sector plagued by allegations of favouritism and two-tier justice, this sentence is a slap in the face.

This leniency stands in stark contrast to the fate of Zimbabwean artisanal miners. Just two months ago, a Siakobvu man, Kudakwashe Mapinda, was sentenced to a full two years in prison for the same crime, illegal panning along the Karongwe River. Unlike the Chinese nationals who were operating with machinery, Mapinda was using a simple wooden pan.

The irony is bitter. While a local miner using rudimentary tools gets a harsh prison sentence, foreign nationals with equipment capable of far greater environmental damage get a fine equivalent to a night’s stay at a hotel.

This happens against a backdrop of a government led crackdown on riverbed mining. Cabinet has been unequivocal, stating that alluvial mining has caused “irreversible environmental damage,” destroying major rivers and contributing to the severe siltation crippling dams like Bulawayo’s Umzingwane, which is currently at a critical 2% capacity.

The message from this court ruling might be interpreted painfully by citizens: “There is one law for poor Zimbabweans trying to scrape a living and another for foreign nationals.” This interpretation by citizens might undermine the fight against environmental degradation and make a mockery of justice in our nation’s mining sector.

Questions from the general public are, how long will our rivers be plundered by well-connected operators while the small man bears the full brunt of the law?

Angola has officially launched the first phase of its long-awaited Cabinda oil refinery, with initial production scheduled to begin by the end of 2025, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The move marks a critical first step in the country’s ambitious strategy to curb gasoline imports, ensure domestic fuel security, and position itself as a key supplier for the energy-strapped nations of Southern Africa.

The Cabinda Refinery, a 60,000 barrel per day (bpd) facility, is being developed in phases by Gemcorp Holdings. The initial phase will focus on producing diesel, heavy fuel oil, and naphtha. This is a cornerstone of the Angolan government’s broader Refining and Fuel Storage Expansion Strategy, managed by the Institute for the Regulation of Petroleum Derivatives (IRDP).

“The launch of the Cabinda refinery is not just an Angolan project; it is a strategic investment for the entire region,” said Patricio Vilar, CEO of IRDP, speaking at the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 conference. “Our goal is to achieve surplus production for export, directly addressing the fuel supply challenges faced by our landlocked neighbours.”

Angola, Africa’s second-largest crude oil producer, has historically exported its crude only to spend billions of dollars importing refined petroleum products due to a lack of domestic refining capacity. This new refining push, which also includes the recently upgraded Luanda Refinery and the upcoming Lobito Refinery, aims to reverse that dynamic.

For Southern Africa, the implications are significant:

1. Energy Security for Landlocked Nations: Countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) rely heavily on road and rail imports of fuel from South Africa, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Angolan refined products, shipped via the port of Lobito or through existing pipelines, would provide a crucial and competitive alternative, diversifying supply chains and reducing regional dependency on a few routes.

2. Economic Integration and Trade: Angola’s shift to a net fuel exporter would create new trade corridors. The operational Benguela Railway, which runs from Lobito to the DRC border, is poised to become a vital artery for distributing refined fuels into the continental interior, boosting regional integration and reducing overall logistics costs.

3. Stabilising Prices and Supply: Regional refining capacity helps mitigate the impact of global oil price volatility and supply disruptions. A local source of diesel, critical for mining, agriculture, and transport, could lead to greater price stability and reliability for key industries across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc.

At the AOG 2025 conference, the IRDP outlined a comprehensive master plan that extends beyond Cabinda. The strategy encompasses:

· Luanda Refinery: Recently expanded to 1,200,000 litres/day of diesel and 700,000 litres/day of gasoline.
· Lobito Refinery: A planned 200,000 bpd facility that would be the largest in the country, squarely aimed at the export market.
· Expanded Storage: Development of new and expanded fuel storage terminals across Angola to ensure buffer stocks for domestic and regional demand.

The Cabinda refinery’s initial output will first serve to meet acute domestic shortages in the enclave region before contributing to the national grid. However, analysts note that the full commissioning of Angola’s refinery pipeline is the key to unlocking its potential as a major regional energy hub, fundamentally altering the fuel supply dynamics of Southern Africa.

AIM-listed mining and exploration junior Premier African Minerals Limited has confirmed the issuance of 1,184,253,059 new ordinary shares to its strategic partner, Canmax Technologies Co., Ltd, following Canmax’s election to convert accrued interest of approximately US$368,000 under their existing Restated and Amended Offtake and Prepayment Agreement, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The conversion, announced on Tuesday, was executed at an issue price of 0.023 pence per share, identical to the direct subscription price Premier disclosed on 21 August 2025. The new shares, which will be admitted to trading on AIM around 8 September, will rank pari passu with the company’s existing ordinary shares. Following this transaction, Premier’s issued share capital now stands at 84,859,029,039 ordinary shares.

The Canmax–Premier relationship dates back to August 2022, when the two companies entered into a prepayment and offtake agreement valued at approximately US$34.7 million. Under that deal, Canmax agreed to provide funding for the construction and commissioning of Premier’s flagship Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Fort Rixon, Zimbabwe, in exchange for exclusive offtake rights to spodumene concentrate produced at the mine.

However, commissioning delays and plant performance issues at Zulu in 2023 strained the partnership, culminating in Canmax issuing notices of default. After months of negotiations, the parties reached a settlement and restructuring agreement in December 2024, which included provisions allowing Canmax to convert accrued interest into equity.

That addendum stabilised the relationship and reaffirmed Canmax’s commitment to Zulu, while providing Premier with vital breathing space to optimise the plant and move closer to commercial production.

By converting interest into equity rather than demanding cash repayment, Canmax has signalled continued confidence in Premier’s long-term prospects. For Premier, the move helps conserve much-needed cash as it focuses on optimising its large-scale spodumene flotation plant, which is one of the most advanced lithium processing facilities in Africa.

The company recently confirmed that its operational review indicated no major design changes are required at Zulu, and tests underway with supplier Enprotec are expected to guide an optimised restart. Premier is targeting spodumene production costs of around US$500 per ton but has acknowledged that additional funding will be required to resume operations later in September.

The latest share issue further cements Canmax as one of Premier’s largest shareholders and underscores its role as both financier and offtake partner. As Zimbabwe positions itself as a critical supplier of lithium for the global energy transition, the partnership between Premier and Canmax remains pivotal to unlocking Zulu’s full potential.

As compliance challenges, land disputes, and environmental degradation continue to test Zimbabwe’s mining sector, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Mashonaland West Chairman, Timothy Chizuzu, has urged the 2025 graduating class of the Zimbabwe Institute of Legal Studies (ZILS) to carry their qualifications beyond theory and into the trenches of responsible mining, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Chizuzu, a 2017 Mining Law graduate of ZILS who today leads the Federation in Mashonaland West, reminded the graduates that their role is pivotal in bridging the widening gap between miners, the law, and the communities affected by mining activities.

“Mining law is not just statutes and compliance checklists. It is about the lives of people, the preservation of cultures, and the stewardship of our environment,” he said, stressing that enforcement of mining laws must be human-centred while still upholding order in the sector.

The ZMF executive highlighted the critical issues confronting Zimbabwe’s mining landscape, from the government’s recent crackdown on non-compliant operations that lack surveyor-certified mine plans, to ongoing disputes between miners, landowners, and local authorities. He challenged graduates to see themselves as problem-solvers capable of easing these tensions.

“Most small-scale miners remain unaware of the very regulations designed to protect them. If you bring your legal expertise directly to the ground, you empower communities while strengthening compliance,” he said.

Chizuzu drew parallels to his own journey, noting that before ZILS, he was “just an approved prospector with limited expertise.” Education, he said, gave him the tools and confidence to earn recognition in the industry and eventually lead Mashonaland West’s small-scale mining constituency under ZMF.

With ASM contributing the bulk of Zimbabwe’s gold deliveries yet often being the most vulnerable to disputes and shutdowns, he urged the graduates to embed themselves in the realities of artisanal miners, interpreting mining laws, guiding licensing processes, and ensuring safety and environmental responsibilities are not ignored.

Chizuzu also reminded the graduates that, echoing Nelson Mandela’s words, success in mining law must be measured not by position but by impact. “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others,” he said, urging them to make that difference felt in Zimbabwe’s mines, communities, and institutions.

Closing his address, he placed the weight of responsibility firmly in their hands: the disputes over claims, the push for compliance with survey-certified plans, the empowerment of artisanal miners, and the safeguarding of the environment. “The future of mining law is in your capable hands. Go forth with courage, integrity, and purpose, and let your actions inspire confidence in the sector.”

The Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion has officially granted National Project Status (NPS) to Invictus Energy’s flagship Cabora Bassa Project, marking a major step forward for the company’s local operations, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This development follows a series of constructive meetings between the government and Invictus, which have culminated in the finalisation of terms for the Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement (PPSA).

The agreement is now being prepared for execution.

National Project Status is reserved for projects of strategic importance to the country and considered vital to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development.

It provides a range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including duty exemptions, fast-tracked permitting, and streamlined access to key infrastructure and services as the project moves into the development phase.

Commenting on the development, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube expressed optimism, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting such investments.

“The Government of Zimbabwe recognises the economic, energy security and social opportunity Cabora Bassa presents. We are pleased to be working closely with Invictus Energy through its recent strategic partnership with Al Mansour Holdings and to finalise the PPSA to ensure a transparent, fair and commercially sound agreement that benefits the people of our nation. The Government is committed to fostering a competitive and attractive investment environment, and we are delighted to partner with Invictus Energy as this landmark project advances towards development,” Ncube said.

Invictus Managing Director Scott Macmillan described the twin developments as pivotal milestones for the company.

“Agreement of the PPSA terms and the granting of National Project Status represent two pivotal milestones for Invictus and the Cabora Bassa Project. The PPSA provides the stable and transparent framework required to progress development, while NPS delivers tangible fiscal benefits to reduce costs and accelerate execution. This recognition underscores the strategic importance of our discovery and the potential it holds to transform Zimbabwe’s energy landscape. These outcomes highlight the Government of Zimbabwe’s strong commitment to unlocking the country’s energy potential. We are grateful for their support and look forward to executing the PPSA and moving towards development of the Cabora Bassa Project.”

The announcement comes on the back of Invictus’ recent partnership with Al Mansour Holdings, backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani, a member of the Qatari royal family.

Under the agreement, Al Mansour will acquire a 19.9% stake in Invictus for US$24.5 million at a premium over the current share price and commit up to US$500 million in future funding, contingent on Invictus proving the commercial viability of at least one of its gas discoveries.

A representative from Al Mansour will also join the Invictus board, further strengthening the strategic alliance.

The partnership significantly bolsters Invictus’ Cabora Bassa Project, where the company holds an 80% operating interest, with the remaining 20% owned by One Gas Resources, led by Zimbabwean geologist Paul Chimbodza.

To unlock the full US$500 million funding, Invictus must conduct additional drilling, flow testing, and seismic surveys to confirm the commercial potential of its discoveries.

The Cabora Bassa Project rose to prominence in December 2023 when Invictus announced a historic gas discovery at its Muzarabani prospect, marking Zimbabwe’s first confirmed gas find.

However, the discovery is just the beginning of a longer journey. Invictus must drill further wells to determine the volume, quality, and recoverability of the gas before moving into the development phase, which will involve designing and constructing the infrastructure required to bring the resource to market.