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Machinery Exchange Hitachi Relaunch in Zimbabwe

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Machinery Exchange Hitachi Relaunch in Zimbabwe

Machinery Exchange successfully secured the dealership for the Hitachi equipment product range and is relaunching this full product range in Zimbabwe.

Hitachi provides integrated solutions, ranging from the sale of hydraulic excavators, front end loaders, and rigid
dump trucks and other construction machinery to services and maintenance. Leveraging decades of expertise with these technologies and know-how, Hitachi offers solutions that address the needs of a broad range of industries, including civil engineering and construction, building and structural demolition, and mining and excavation.

Hitachi has been providing a multitude of industry customers, including mining, construction, quarry and forestry with reliable and high quality machinery and after sales support solutions for decades.

Machinery Exchange is the premier company in Zimbabwe for the provision of general & component repairs, machine reconditioning & rebuilds, engineering repairs & fabrication, spare parts supply, servicing & maintenance and new machine & truck sales to service the Earthmoving, Transport, Mining and Construction Industries.

Our Customer Support division is responsible for the after sales support of the full Hitachi equipment sold into the
field. With an experienced and highly qualified team of Customer Support Technicians – their job is to ensure that all repairs, servicing and maintenance is carried out on time and to the right quality.

These technicians travel with fully equipped light vehicles and carry all their tooling with them so that they can carry out all necessary work on the client’s site. The customer support division is also supported by larger field service vehicles which are able to provide mobile field support with built-in compressors, welding machines, generators etc.

Through the Customer Support Division, Machinery Exchange offers an on-site, or on-callout Maintenance Agreement for select customers, whereby we carry out all the servicing, repairs and maintenance of a fleet of equipment. The equipment does not necessarily have to be supplied by Machinery Exchange. In addition to this
service, we offer a trouble-shooting or diagnostics service for the full Hitachi Equipment range, as and when customers require. Our targets in the provision of the full service maintenance agreement are an 85% equipment availability, through disciplined service intervals,proactive inspections, timeous intervention and repairs. This allows the customer to focus on his business whilst we focus on keeping the equipment in good working order Machinery Exchange is based within a 9,400 square metre industrial property at no. 5 Martin Drive, Msasa Harare. This provides us with a solid base of support from which we can operate our 4 x business divisions and allows us to provide world class service to our customers “Our customer’s success is our
success”

Contact MACHINERY EXCHANGE
5A Martin Drive, Msasa
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 (4) 486942

This article first appeared in the March 2018 issue of the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine

Open Letter to the President for the Recognition of Diamond Cutting and Polishing Students

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Open Letter to the President for the Recognition of Diamond Cutting and Polishing Students

On behalf of the 25 Diamond Cutting and Polishing students from the Zimbabwe School of Mines Students we are writing this letter to raise our concerns about our Diamond Cutting and Polishing Program which was started by a company in Partnership with Zimbabwe School of Mines.

The program was set out under the ZIMASSET aim of value addition and beneficiation and 25 students were sent to China to study Diamond Cutting and Polishing process in order to help our country in processing its own Diamonds.

It is with great concern and discomfort that we have discovered Zimbabwe is going to send Diamond rough to Botswana for processing even though we are equipped with these skillsets and are currently unemployed. Due to our lack of experience it is difficult to get employment elsewhere thus we look to you the facilitators (the Government) for the opportunity to prove our worth and be integrated into the industry.

According to the plan and contracts given to us after completing this program, both the company and the
government had promised to give us jobs after the study, helping us start our careers in the industry and utilize our skills. But however since the return of these students in June 2017 nothing has been done to assure us of these jobs and no communication has been made between the school, company or government and the students. This has more than raised concerns and panic among us students who are left with uncertainty about their future. All of us having our own stories to tell, one thing was unanimous that we all were given the assurance that this was a step in the right direction Career wise and that we were going to be pioneers of this promising industry.

As a group we are kindly asking for recognition from the government in regards to the skills that we acquired from the Major Diamond Cutting and Polishing player that is China and we believe that our talent, determination and hunger to do what we know best are key in helping with the development of our Country if given a chance to show our skills. We are qualityoriented recent college graduates and managed to accrue nearly a year of work experience with on the job training at Chow Tai Fook (Pvt) Ltd Diamond Factory, one of the largest diamond Companies in China.

So we we’d like to claim this opportunity that has come in front of us and offer our services to the new initiative, whether the diamonds get polished locally or outside but we want to be a part of this. Therefore, make us part of the system we want to work with you on a tangible way forward.

We look forward to a favourable response from you.

Diamond Cutting and Polishing Graduates

This article first appeared in the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine March 2018

Ten mines that Zimbabwe should urgently revive

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Ten mines that Zimbabwe should urgently revive

Resource-rich Zimbabwe is home to a whopping 800 mines, some of which were shut down or placed under care and maintenance in the past two decades, for various reasons.

By Justice Zhou

These include a fall in the global prices of minerals, unfavorable economic conditions, hostile indigenization laws, operational costs and steep tax rates among other problems. However, as the new government seeks to lure
investors, it has relaxed indeginisation and local empowerment laws, exempting all minerals, except diamonds and platinum, from mandatory ceding of a 51 percent to locals.

Previously wary investors appear to have been charmed by the friendlier policy stance and are starting to show interest in grabbing mining and exploration opportunities. A sharp recovery in global commodity prices and the rising demand for minerals that are pivotal in the development of “clean fuels” technology, needed to reduce carbon footprints, has prompted the government to embark on a priority programme in which it seeks partners looking for
higher returns to invest in the revival of a number of mines that are of strategic economic importance.

Below, Mining Zimbabwe takes you through some ten mines that could offer higher returns if revived.

10. Sabi Gold Mine

Although the mine is slowly getting back on track after it was placed under judicial management , following the suspension of operations in 2014, there’s no doubt that it still faces debt problems and also needs a massive cash
injection to ramp up operations. Located in Zvishavane in the Midlands, Sabi mine claims were first pegged in the 1890 with the first recorded production in 1909. It was acquired by ZMDC in 1984.ZMDC owns 100 percent of
Kimberworth Investments (Pvt) Ltd trading as Sabi Gold Mine, a company currently running the mine. It operates one rectangular double compartment shaft reaching down to 15 metres below a 12 level elevation. The principal
mining method is underhand stopping, while it has a capacity to treat 450 tons of ore per day. With bullion prices showing signs of robust recovery, this could be a good bet for investors.

9. Jena Gold Mines

Located in Silobela, 60 km outside Kwekwe, central Zimbabwe, Jena mines was first pegged in 1979, was later acquired by state mining company, the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation or ZMDC in 1984. It operates a multi shaft system. The mine has a capacity to treat 450 tons of ore per day. The mine employs underhand benching long-hole open-stopping and shrink stopping mining methods. With bullion prices showing signs of robust recovery, this could be a good bet for investors. The government is reportedly looking for funds to recapitalize the
mine, which had remained operational yet under care and maintenance due to financial problems.

8. Elvington Gold Mine

Elvington Gold Mine, about 100 km west of the capital Harare, is also 100 percent owned by ZMDC. The mine suspended operations in 2003 due to the collapse of one of its main shafts. The mine is on care and maintenance. Currently the mine is involved in dump retreatment while preparing for resuscitation of underground operations. The aim of the sand treatment project is to see whether it is feasible to leach the sands. Elvington used to produce 45kg’s of Gold per month before the shaft incident. According to reports, the collapse of the mine in 2004 saw ore reserves at the mine shrink from a high of 1,3 million to 340 000 tons, with recommendations there is need for
extensive exploration to be carried out. According to ZMDC, further exploration to find out whether there are reserves left at the mine will justify the need for underground mining.

7. Shabanie Mine

Shabanie Mine, located in Zvishavane in the Midlands province, used to be one of the biggest employers with
over 2 000 workers, but was shut down closed in 2004, due to low demand of white asbestos. Government has reportedly found an investor for the revival of one of the oldest mines in the country, although the details are sketchy, with planned electricity reconnection at the mine in preparation for its revival. Shabanie Mashaba Mine Holdings, the owner of the mine, has started renewing contracts for its employees, amid reports suggesting that the new government is keen to see to put the asbestos giant back in operation.

6. Kamativi Tin Mines

Kamativi Tine Mines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, closed operations in 1994 after 58 years of operation. The closure of the mine was prompted by the fall of the price of tin, the state miner has said. In its heyday, it produced tin and other by-products including tantalite niobium and lithium minerals. Kamativi mine is having renewed interest because of the firming tin prices and the large suite of
minerals associated with tin. ZMDC intends to resuscitate Kamativi in the near future. Recent explorations at the site indicated that that there were, in fact, more deposits of lithium at the mine than tin itself, with plans now afoot to dig for the so-called “white petroleum”, which is vital in new-general tech gadgets and electric cars.

5. Bikita Mine

The mine is located in southern Zimbabwe in province, about 80 km east of Masvingo town. Reports suggest the ZMDC will soon start mining its lithium deposits in Bikita, on the back of firming demand for the mineral on the global market. It is one of the largest lithium mines in Zimbabwe. It is home to reserves amounting to 10.8 million tons of lithium ore grading 1.4% lithium thus resulting in 0.15 million tons of lithium. The state is reportedly planning to start mining lithium deposits at Bikita, on the back of firming demand for the mineral on the global
markets.

4. Sanyati Copper Mine

Located in Kadoma District, Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe located about 92 km NW of Kadoma on the
Sanyati River, and 200km W of Harare, Zimbabwe’s three copper mines, namely Sanyati Mine and Alaska Copper mines, Mhangura Copper Mines and Lomagundi Mines are owned by the state miner. They were mothballed due to a slump in copper prices and an unfavourable economic and policy environment. However, Sanyati Copper Mine is reported to be having better prospects than, for example, Mhangura mine, which previously had major operations but was later closed in 2000. Feasibility studies and further exploration indicated the former had larger deposits of the mineral, according to state media reports. Efforts are said to be at an advanced stage to revive the mine in
the near future. The state miner is allegedly scouting for $500 million required to revive its three copper mines together with a new smelter and refinery.

3. Sandawanda Mine

Sandawana Mine is located nearly 100 km south of Zvishavane town in the Mberengwa district in the southern part of Zimbabwe. Emeralds were first discovered in 1955 at Sandawana. The mine was controlled by Gemstone Resources Limited, a British owned company following a sale from Rio Tinto Zimbabwe in 1992, but it has since been acquired by ZMDC. Sandawana hosts part of the Mweza Greenstone Belt and has great potential for emeralds, gold, tantalite, beryl, iron ore, silver, niobium, lithium, chrome, tin and slate. It consists of a number of emerald deposits including Ceres, Athene, Eros, Marmaid, Junc, Zeus, Atom, Plato, and Vulcan among others. Emerald occurrences are situated in a contact zone of pegmatite and tremolite schist along the southern slope of Mweza. Sandawana has been a major producer of emeralds for 40 years, until operations were suspended in 2011, with loss of traditional markets being cited.

2. Lynx Mine

The Karoi-based graphite mine, a joint venture firm between (ZMDC) and Graphit Kropfmhul Gmbh of Germany, is under care and maintenance. Production was discontinued in September 2017, with lack of capital being cited. It was recently reported by the state media that that Lynx Mine was negotiating with potential investors to secure long-term production.

1. R.H.A. Tungsten Mine

The mine is located 270km south of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second biggest city, and is owned by AIM-listed Premier African Minerals. Operations at the mine were suspended in January as the company said it was negotiating with a state empowerment company on a new funding model after the indigenisation law was relaxed by the new government. Premier says it has completed 1,302 metres of drilling to date with assay results awaited. The group has also embarked on an independent conceptual study with a view to establishing a code compliant resource and an early assessment of the potential to bring the mine back into production. The company has a diverse portfolio
of projects, which include tungsten, rare earth elements, lithium and tantalum in Zimbabwe, encompassing brownfield projects with near-term production potential to grass-roots exploration.

This article first appeared in the March 2018 issue of the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine

MNANGAGWA TAKE OVER: What has changed in the Mining sector

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MNANGAGWA TAKE OVER: What has changed in the Mining sector

The ascendance of President Emmerson Mnangagwa following the departure of Robert Mugabe through a military
intervention came with it massive changes within the mining landscape, key to it being a change in policies.

Keen to revive the mining sector after years of reticence by foreign investors during Robert Mugabe’s rule, President
Mnangagwa has managed to turn the country’s investment environment into a darling for many.

His summit to power has seen the country amassing a great deal of investments and other tangible commitments coming from hostile countries as far as United States of America.

All this has been driven by the “Zimbabwe is open for business” mantra, which has become the Government’s magic bullet going into the coming harmonised elections.

What has changed during Mnangagwa rule?

The takeover of Mnangagwa saw Zimbabwe amending its Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment legislation
to limit majority ownership by state entities to only diamond and platinum mines and not the entire mining sector as espoused in the previous legislation. The indeginisation legislation introduced during the tenure of Mugabe was
designed to increase black Zimbabweans’ participation in the mining sector but were open to abuse.

The legislation had become an elephant in the room for Mugabe’s Government and it also became a major hindrance to attraction of tangible and clean investments in the mining sector.

The amendments were included in the Finance Act, which covers the 2018 budget and were signed into law.
According to the new amendments, only state-owned mining entities will hold majority shares in diamond and platinum companies.

Besides the amendments, Zimbabwe has overcome unprecedented change since November 2017, when President
Mnangagwa took office. This political change has boosted business confidence and caught the attention of the
international market.

This change at the top has encouraged a unanimous feeling across the country and the international community. The mining sector in particular is one which is drawing lots of positive attention.

The Zimbabwean mining industry faces many challenges which were highlighted at the conference: Many projects in the country have been starved of any form of funding for over 10 years. Estimates have suggested that Zimbabwe will need $7 billion to fund any immediate capital expenditure requirements if the mining industry is to
return to anything like its former self.

What has been the massive development during the coming of Mnangagwa has been a change of perception from
investors. Caledonia Mining Corporation chief executive Steve Curtis recently noted the coming of a new political dispensation has generated massive interest from investors especially from America.

He said if the current investment is to be maintained by sound policies, the Zimbabwean mining sector is set for
massive and sustained growth.

How much investment has come in during Mnangagwa rule?

The Mnangagwa administration has managed to have fruitful engagements with several investors eyeing the local
mining sector. Not much investments have been realised besides the $4,2 billion platinum deal earmarked for the
Mhondoro-Ngezi area.

Another investment to note has been a promise by Russia to start injecting funds into its Darwendale platinum project. The revelations were made by the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov during his visit recently
in Zimbabwe.

A majority of investors who have engaged Government so far have been making commitments but no real investment has been done. It has been a matter of promises and mining analysts are of the opinion that most investors are waiting for elections outcome.

Commitments and Promises made so far

An American investor MGG Holdings made a commitment to invest close to $60 million towards the Zimbabwean mining sector mainly focusing on chrome and gold.

The world’s second biggest diamond mining company, Alrosa, is currently in Zimbabwe exploring investment opportunities amid huge optimism the Russia-based firm, whose annual turnover stands at $4 billion, could soon
start operating locally.

The mining giant is only second to De Beers, and specialises in exploration, mining, manufacture and sale of diamonds. It has African operations in Botswana and Angola.

President Mnangagwa was recently in China where he also signed a lot of memorandum of understanding with Chinese companies willing to invest in the Zimbabwean mining sector.

Outlook

A lot has been expected from Mnangagwa in a short space of time since his ascendance to power. However with sound and consistent policies, the local mining sector is set for a boom.

More investors are expected going forward.

This article first appeared in the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine may 2018 Issue

WACKER NEUSON Introduces flexible and compact Light Tower Range LTS

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WACKER NEUSON Introduces flexible and compact Light Tower Range LTS

Work on building sites often extends late into the evening or happens only after nightfall, especially when it comes to road and bridge construction, concreting or other events. A reliable light source is indispensable for these operations. Wacker Neuson’s new LTS Light Tower emulates daylight very closely in its light quality, free of shadowing.

With the new LTS Light Tower, Wacker Neuson is showing yet again that compact dimensions and high performance can be combined successfully. Whether working in warmer conditions, avoiding heavy traffic volumes during the day or working with fresh concrete and finishing a project during the night – LTS Light Towers have the operating capacity for any area of application.

The adjustable vertical mast extends to more than eight meters in height and can be rotated 340 degrees. Four engine options with 50 or 60 Hz and the possibility to order two and three cylinder versions with a CE certificate makes the Wacker Neuson light tower applicable for a variety of applications, such as building sites, events and storerooms. The LTS Light Towers long servicing interval makes it an industry leader and ensures longer operating times and lower downtime.

There are two LTS models available: the LTS4K, with an efficient Kubota engine and kitted out with LED lights. The LTS8L is equipped with a powerful Kohler engine and has metal halide standard illumination. Additionally, the machines are made with a 60 Hz option. The compact design and the vertical tower of the Wacker Neuson LTS towers facilitate the transport of up to 10 units on a standard truck. In addition, minimal space is needed on building sites, events and storerooms.

More information can be found at
http://www.wackerneuson.co.za/en/products/lighting/lighttowers/model/lts/

Mine Machines – Mining Utility and Support Vehicles

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Mine Machines – Mining Utility and Support Vehicles

Mine Machines, is a fully Zimbabwean based company, providing 30 years of nationwide innovation and support, to our growing mining industry.

The practical ethos of delivering BETTER SAFER MINING, through retained expertise, know-how and experience, has enabled Mine Machines to provide a full ‘suite’ of Trackless Mining Equipment, to suit the exact needs and operating conditions in this market.

The proven and familiar face of utility vehicle reliability has some new and exciting additions. UV Botswana are launching the next generation of underground and surface utility vehicles, designed and certified, to service Zimbabwe’s increasingly mechanised mining demands.

The recent launches of both the Rock Ranger 150 and Reef Rover 050 are notable success stories, both locally and abroad, as multi-purpose, mining compliant, underground supervisory and transportation vehicles. Several models afford applications as diverse as ambulance duties, through to service recovery, with hydraulic/pneumatic power take off functions also optional. These models have now been complimented with the latest utility vehicle addition, the Mine Scout, providing an ideal means to transport supervisors, technicians and artisans, with ample space for tools, spare parts and testing equipment.

A ‘work anywhere’, 4 x 4 utility machine for both open cast, through to low profile underground mines, available with mine safety compliances, as standard features. As with all models, the Mine Scout can be powered by Tier 2, through to Tier 4 type diesel engine options, providing superior centre articulation, manoeuvrability, vehicle safety and operator comfort – Air conditioning is also offered.

How many breakdowns can your Artisans ‘now’ attend to, in a single Shift?”

The UV –UT18P MINEBUS (18 MAN) has also been designed from the pedigree established by this successful 4 tonne range of Utility vehicles. The first low profile, rigid frame personnel carrier, to carry 18 passengers, will soon be delivered. This unit is equipped with bench seating which can be removed, allowing the vehicle to perform roles other than personnel transport if required.

With this proven technology and the experience gained, a complete 8 tonne range, more suited to support conventional mining operations, is now available.

The first of the new designs, was for a scissor lift utility vehicle, built for installation work in headings with a 6m height. Fitting of vent fans, ducting and other services can be safely and efficiently carried out using the 3 tonne work platform. This was followed by the 8 tonne personnel (Up to 32 people) carrier, as well as a Dump truck, intended for hard rock and tunneling operations.

These exciting developments has allowed for expansion into areas outside of the sub region. The latest unit to roll off the UV production lines is a dedicated lube/fuel carrier, with up to a 5000 litre capacity. The vehicle can be configured to meet customer specific requirements, with modular tank design to prevent cross contamination of multiple products. As a proud and direct service link, Mine Machines’ continues to have success in the supply of equipment and associated products. Adequate levels of suitably trained and accredited staff, ensures a strong technical support foundation, including field service and product support backup.

BETTER. SAFER. MINING in Zimbabwe.
Tel : +263 9 77827 / 77929 / 60528
Cell: + 263 77 214 4737
Email: [email protected]

The death of giants

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The death of giants

…..a sad reality in the mining industry.

Retrospecting as a case study of the mining industry in Zimbabwe. What really transpired?

Dickson Rudairo Mapuranga

What happened to African Associated Mines of Gaths, Mashaba and Shabani, is a question that I am not going to react to, what are the solutions to the revival of these mines, who has the capacity of restoring  these forgotten giants back to life in the mining industry?

The third highest producer of asbestos in the world disappeared into the abysses of nameless creatures in an unpredictable turnout. AA mines were bringing in at their full capacity foreign currency that was able to sustain the economy of Zimbabwe and backing the Zimbabwean dollar as one of the strongest currencies on earth. The fall of these giants was followed by a rapid fall of the economy and the Zim dollar.

AA mines owned Turnal and Fibre cement and 14 other industrial companies, its fall saw the collapse of many sectors in the economy and social setups. Sports was at its greatest level supported and sponsored by AA mines throughout Zimbabwe. Gaths mine stadium used to be one of the biggest stadiums in Zimbabwe but at this interval, we may conclude it is now antiquity.

AA mines produced white fibre asbestos which is less dangerous than the blue one produced in South Africa and Russia which gave them an advantage in the world market. They were producing sewer pipes, and rooftops among other asbestos apparatus. Infrastructure development depended mostly on asbestos from these mining giants, their revival means the country is heading to a very comfortable and prosperous voyage.

It is a miserable actuality that the revival of these mines needs hundreds of millions of dollars, according to one mining expert, it would be a very noble idea to see AA mines reoperation at its full capacity, and the country will be optimistic that good things will present themselves in the near future.

Many theories would be drawn to a conclusion on what happened to the leading giants of Zimbabwe’s producers of asbestos but these concepts will never recuperate the operation and rebuilding of AA mines. What needs to be done is giving an in-depth response to the situation and coming up with an unbiased solution.

The future rests in ASM

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The future rests in ASM

 

Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Mashonaland central chairperson Masango Mahlahla speaking  at the Mashonaland central outreach program held in Bindura last month said Zimbabwe like other African countries need to realize that supporting indigenous miners (Artisanal and Small Scale Miners ASM) and fostering their future is the way to go.

Dickson Rudairo Mapuranga

Mahlahla said that African mines are owned by foreigners who after mining would return profits back to mother countries living Africans in abject poverty, therefore it is the duty of Africa to stand tall and promote its indigenous small and artisanal miners,

“From time immemorial African mines are run and owned by Foreigners with millions of dollars migrating from our continent… we look forward to raising our miners to new heights of transformation, growth of mining operations from small to medium and from medium to large, cultivating a new crop of indigenous large scale Zimbabwean Miners.” Said Mahlahla.

He outlined that to achieve growth in ASM, ZMF is working closely and tirelessly with its stakeholders such as local government, ministry of Mines, Banks, Fidelity, the central government among other key stakeholders to come up with clear road map that is going to impose the formalization of mining in Mash Central and Zimbabwe at large.

“With recognition of the industry, we look forward to the integration and inclusion of ASM miners in organizational plans as companies begin to offer tailored services and programs to Miners in the province” said Mahlahla.

Mahlahla urged ASM to understand the vision that ZMF is selling to its stakeholders and to work professionally in order to achieve a feet like that which the giant moguls in the mining industry have reached,

“I urge you all to listen carefully and understand the vision and the necessary factors that affect us… let us take this opportunity to understand what ASM is doing” said Mahlahla.

Speaking at the same occasion ZMF president Henrietta Rushwaya said that valuable lessons are emerging through regional ‘multi-stakeholder’ mining dialogues taking place between the Ministry of Mines and regional stakeholders over the past couple of months enabling agreements about formalization of mining to take centre stage in a way that recognizes and incorporates ASM.

The event was also attended by various people such as the minister of state in Mashonaland central as the guest of honor- Monica Mavhunga, ZMF Mashonaland central executive, vice president Eng Murove, along with the small scale and artisan miners community and other decision makers from different entities.

Zimbabwe Economic Minerals

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Zimbabwe is renowned for its vast mineral resources, boasting a wide variety of economically significant deposits that form the backbone of its mining industry.

From precious metals like gold and platinum to industrial minerals such as lithium and coal, the nation’s subsoil harbors immense potential for economic growth and global trade. As the mining sector continues to drive Zimbabwe’s economy, understanding the country’s diverse mineral landscape is crucial for investors, policymakers, and stakeholders.

This article delves into the minerals that make Zimbabwe a key player in the global mining scene.

ZIMBABWE MAIN ECONOMIC MINERALS

GOLD 

Gold mining and exploration in Zimbabwe has been going on from ancient times and it is estimated that a third (about 700 tonnes) of all historical gold production was mined locally from the seventh century until the introduction of mechanized mining methods with the arrival of Europeans about a century ago. There are over 4000 recorded god deposits, nearly all of them located on ancient workings.

The occurrence of gold in Zimbabwe is mainly confined to hydrothermal vein and shear zone deposits found exclusively in rocks of the Basement Complex age formed 2400 million years or more ago. The only noteworthy production from outside the Zimbabwe craton has been Renco Mine, which is in ancient deformed, high-grade metamorphic rocks of the Archean age North Marginal Zone of the Limpopo Mobile Belt and a number of mines in the Proterozoic Piriwiri Group of metamorphosed argillaceous sedimentary rocks with minor volcanics. Some gold is also recovered as a by-product from copper deposits in the Deweras Group Sediments. The production of alluvial gold, present along all the major rivers draining the greenstone belts, has largely been the domain of illegal gold panners.

SILVER

It occurs as native silver in association with other minerals such as gold, copper and lead. With exception of the Osage Mine in Zimbabwe it is declared as a by products from the mining of platinum, gold and copper.  Gold mines in the Odzi greenstone belt have the highest silver and gold ratios.

PLATINUM GROUP ELEMENTS

Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) consist of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium and have a high demand worldwide because of their wide variety of uses in industry. Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke, a linear early Proterozoic layered mafic-ultramafic intrusion trending over 550km at a maximum width of about 11kilometres, has the second largest platinum reserves in the world after the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. An estimate of 2.8 billion tonnes PGM ore at 4g/t are estimated to lounge on the Dyke.  Notably, PGMs are mined as primary metals only in the Bushveld in South Africa and along the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe.

The occurrence of PGE mineralization in the Great Dyke was recorded in the early 1920s. Following these documentations and the discovery of PGMs in the Merensky Reef of the Bushveld Complex of South Africa, there was a boom in PGM prospecting between 1925 and 1926 that resulted in the discovery of Wedza Mine. Since the 1950s, several companies have undertaken exploration. Currently platinum exploration on the Great Dyke has been carried out by CAMEC (Todal Mining) in the Bougai section in Shurugwi, and Global Platinum Resources in Chegutu.

Mining is currently being carried out at Mimosa, Ngezi and Unki Platinum Mines. Mining operations ceased at Hartley Platinum Mine in 2000, because of bad ground conditions. Demand for PGMs has seen an increase in exploration and evaluation of Zimbabwe’s platinum deposits.

Off the Great Dyke, the potential for PGM mineralization exists in the following areas

  • Mashava Igneous Suite
  • Bubi Greenstone Belt

DIAMONDS

Zimbabwe is located within an exceptionally rich diamondiferous metallogenic province. Large areas of the country are covered by the Archaean Craton and the Archaean Limpopo Belt which are likely to have the best developed mantle root and diamond potential along with discoveries of the mineralized kimberlites on the Craton (Murowa, Sese, Colossus) and on the Limpopo Belt (River Ranch) which make Zimbabwe an excellent exploration target with potential for economic kimberlites. The diamond exploration success in the neighbouring Botswana and South Africa, the greatest producers of gem quality diamonds has made a positive impact on the diamond prospectively of the country.  More than 120 kimberlites have been discovered but economic grades occur in two deposits the River Ranch and the Murowa Diamond Mines. Currently evaluation is being carried out on several kimberlites in the southern area of the country while some were found to be non-commercial. Of late, the discovery of diamondiferous Proterozoic conglomerates in the Umkondo basin has led to the opening of several diamond mines within the Chiadzwa area, e.g. Mbada, Marange Resources, and Anjin etc.

CHROME

Zimbabwe has the 2nd largest high grade chromium ores in the world after South Africa with reserves of approximately 10 billion tonnes.

Chrome is mainly mined along the Great dyke of Zimbabwe and occurs as seam/strati form deposits. In greenstone belts off the dyke it occurs as podiform structures in serpentinites, e.g. in Zimasco mine on Shurugwi Mashava. In Mashava chrome is found in greenstone remnants in the Limpopo mobile belt south of Mberengwa. Chrome also occurs as elluvial deposits in the greenstone areas,

Giant crystals of up to 1.5m have been found on the dyke.  Chrome is mainly used stainless steel production, as a metal coat, in the chemical industry and in metallurgical processes.

COAL

Zimbabwe has vast high grade coal deposits occurring as fossilized carbon. It occurs in lower Karoo sediments. These are the middle Zambezi basin to the north and save Limpopo basin in the south of the country hosts about 12 billion tonnes of good quality coal. About 29 coal localities are known but major producers are Hwange colliery and Makomo resources. The country’s full potential is however yet to be exploited.

NICKEL

In Zimbabwe nickel occurs within the Archean craton in rocks of komatitic composition e.g. at Trojan mine. It also appears layered/unlayered mafic-ultramafic intrusive bodies e.g. Empress, Madziwa Great dyke. It’s also found in nickel laterite e.g. northern part Great Dyke hydrothermal shear zone deposits. There are nickel deposits in several serpentinite areas in greenstone belts with igneous complexes around the country. The country has got huge potential in komatiite and laterite and more than 30 nickel deposits are known. Currently production is at Trojan mine in Bindura.

COAL BED METHANE

Coal bed methane is a gas intrinsically associated with coal. Coal is both a source and reservoir for methane gas occurrence in Zimbabwe. It mainly occurs in the middle Zambezi Basin e.g. in lupine concession. It’s also found in the Save Limpopo basin e.g. Save Runde district.

Reserve is still a resources studies to ascertain if the gas could be exploited commercially have not been concluded. Coal bed Methane is used for Electricity generation, Ammonia production for fertilizer and in Iron production.

COPPER

There are over 70 known deposits in Zimbabwe that have produced copper either as a primary or secondary product. The main producing area has been the Magondi Basin in an area stretching for over 150km. Similar copper deposits are found in the south eastern part of the country in the Umkondo Basin. Several copper prospects also occur in hydrothermal deposits in Archaean Greenstone Belts and in granite e.g. Inyathi, Copper duke. Primary copper production virtually ceased following closure of Mhangura, now being produced as a by-product of other minerals e.g. PGM, Gold, Nickel

IRON

Zimbabwe has huge iron deposits associated with banded ironstone formations in greenstone belts. Major deposits are estimated to be over 30 billion tonnes of reserves. Magnetite deposit associated with Carbonatites e.g. Gungwa and Dorowa, Banded Iron Formation in Archaean Greenstone Belts, magnetite schists e.g. Chiredzi deposits (Mongula and Manyoka), layered Igneous complexes source of titanium and vanadium also e.g. ChuatsaBanded Iron Formation, Archaean Greenstone belts e.g. Kwekwe, Buhwa and oxidation of other minerals e.g.  Ripple Creek Deposits with high grade ore are found in Buchwa and Ripple Creek. Significant ironstone deposits include the huge Mwanesi deposit west of Chivhu and Nyuni near Masvingo. Manyoka and Mongula and several similar deposits in the Limpopo Mobile belt are also important deposits.

PEGMATITE MINERALS

Pegmatites which are ubiquitous in several geological environments especially on the edges of greenstones and in metamorphic belts, are a source of a variety of minerals including tantalite, tin and wolframite, beryl, mica, feldspar, and gemstones such as emerald, aquamarine, chrysoberyl, alexandrite and euclase.

DIMENSION STONES

Granites, gneisses, migmatites, gabbro-norites, dolerite, marbles and quartzites, suitable for use as dimension stones are typical rocks belonging to Zimbabwe’s geological environments. The most well-known dimension stone in Zimbabwe is black granite ubiquitous in the north-eastern part of the country which has attracted considerate foreign investors.

Lithium

Zimbabwe has the largest lithium reserves in Africa and the fifth-largest deposits worldwide. It has the highest number of Lithium projects under exploration on the continent.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe list Areas of verified Lithium deposits in Zimbabwe are Goromonzi, Mudzi, Buhera, Bikita, Chegutu, Hwange, Harare, Insiza, Rushinga, Mutoko, Mutare and Hwange. However, Lithium continues to be discovered in various areas across the country.

So far the mineral has been discovered in areas such as Mberengwa, Fort Rixon, Bindura, and Kadoma.

ASBESTOS

Asbestos occurs as chrysotile. It’s found in ultramafic complexes e.g. ,Mashava Igneous Complex, in massive serpentinites and slip fibre zones in which shears are filled with matted fibres in the Great dyke  e.g. Ethel mine. There are 60 deposits scattered in the Masvingo, Insiza, Gwanda, Mberengwa, and Shurugwi, which have been worked on for chrysotile.

Zimbabwe was once the world’s 3rd largest producer of asbestos before the demand declined. After gold asbestos was once largest income producer in the mining sector. Production ceased with the closure of Gaths Mine and Shabani Mine.

Gold Development Initiative Fund (GIDF) full requirements

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The Gold Development Initiative Fund (GDIF) is administered by Fidelity Printers and Refiners (Private) Limited (FPR) which is the sole buyer, refiner and exporter of gold in Zimbabwe. The GDIF was created by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) as part of its initiatives to enhance economic productivity through promotion and development of the gold mining industry in Zimbabwe. The loan facility is primarily for the acquisition of gold mining plants and equipment in order to enhance gold production by miners.

We offer flexible and world-class mining investment solutions to our clients. We work with you to understand your unique financing and cash flow needs, to come up with the best financing options for your gold mining operation.

Our team is composed of dedicated and seasoned banking and mining investment professionals. Our single point of contact system means you will move easily and quickly through the investment and financing process with an expert who thoroughly understands your needs.

No matter where your mine is located, or the size of your operation, we are built to deliver the solutions you need anywhere in Zimbabwe. As our valued partner, we aim at growing your business to the next level.

At Fidelity Printers and Refiners (Pvt) Ltd (FPR), under the Gold Development Initiative Fund, we support gold mining operations with focused and customized financial products that keep mining business moving forward. No matter where the mine is located, or how many ounces they mine, we can join hands and help with everything
from project to corporate financing.

Who can apply for the Gold Development Fund

All gold producers in Zimbabwe.

LOAN APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• COMPANY (Applicable to incorporated mining entities)
• Application Letter (indicating the purpose)
• Board Resolution to Borrow / Surety
• Certified Copy of Certificate of Incorporation
• Certified Copy of Memo & Articles of Incorporation
• Certified Copy of CR14 and CR2
• List of shareholders & percentage age shareholding
• Shareholders Agreements (where applicable)
• Management Agreements (where applicable)
• Holding Company details if applicable

DIRECTORS’ / SHAREHOLDERS / OWNERS DETAILS

Passport photo taken within six months of application
Certified Copy of ID / Passport/ Driver’s License
Proof of current residence

MINE LICENSES & BUSINESS AGREEMENTS

• Certified Copy of Mine Ownership Certificate
• Certified Copy of EIA License
• Certified Copy of Explosives License
• Shareholders / Partners Agreements (where applicable)
• Management Agreements (where applicable)

MINE MANAGEMENT DETAILS

• Organizational Structure and Labour Strength
• Details of Executives and Management
• CVs for Executives and Management

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

• Geological Report (critical)
• Mine Production History
• Mining Production Plan or Forecast (including Mining Methods)
• Gold Processing Production Plan including Flowsheet Diagrams
• Life of Mine (LOM) Plan (applicable to Medium and Large Scale)
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA Certificate)
• Site of Works Plan / Surface Plans
• Infrastructure Status Report
• Due Diligence Report (if ever it was done)
• Bankable Document (FBS or Business Plan)

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

• Financial statements of the applicant for the previous 2 years
• Latest Management Accounts i.e. Income Statement & Balance Sheet
• Explanatory Notes to the Financial Statements
• Asset Register
• Tax clearance certificate
• Cash flow projections to cover the tenure of the loan & assumptions used
• Debtors & Creditors Age Analysis
• Quotations

WHO TO GET IN TOUCH WITH

Head Gold Development Initiative Fund, Fidelity Printers and Refiners (Pvt) Ltd
Gold Development Initiative Fund Department
No 1 George Drive, Msasa
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 242 486694/7, 242 486670, 242 487131
Matthew Chidavaenzi

 

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