Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will officially open the Mine Entra 2025 exhibition, scheduled to run from 8 – 10 October 2025, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The President will also be the Guest of Honour at the high-level conference accompanying the expo, which runs under the theme “Beyond Extraction: Sustaining the Future of Mining.”

The conference, organised by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, is expected to draw thought leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to discuss the future trajectory of this key economic sector.

Key topics on the agenda include Environmental Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, Technological Innovation, Policy Reforms, and Economic Growth.

The conference will be held in Hall 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Delegates can attend at a cost of US$200 per person.

MineEntra is one of the most significant events on the national calendar, highlighting the mining sector’s role as a primary driver of the economy. The theme emphasises a strategic shift from mere mineral extraction to value addition and sustainable practices, aligning with the government’s broader economic goals.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed a mine accident that occurred at Mamini, Umsasa Farm in Mazowe on 28 September 2025.

According to police, five artisanal miners were trapped underground after a 20-metre-deep shaft in which they were working collapsed.

“The ZRP confirms a mine accident which occurred at Mamini, Umsasa Farm, Mazowe on 28/09/25, where five artisanal miners were trapped after a 20m deep shaft in which they were mining collapsed. Rescuing teams are currently on the ground. More details will be released in due course,” the Police said on Twitter.

Rescue teams have since been deployed to the site and are currently working to reach the trapped miners. Authorities said more details regarding the incident will be released in due course as rescue operations continue.

Mine accidents involving artisanal and small-scale miners remain a major concern in Zimbabwe, especially in the Mazowe area, where unsafe mining methods expose workers to life-threatening risks.

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.