Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

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.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has clarified confusion over General Notice 1 of 2025, stressing that no one has been marginalised and that mine surveyors are simply performing their duties, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

The directive, which requires mining title holders to submit updated claims with survey-grade coordinates, is part of the nationwide rollout of the Mining Cadastre and Information Management System (MCIMS).

The requirement has faced strong opposition from Certified Registered Approved Prospectors (CRAP holders), commonly known as peggers, and other stakeholders who fear it may threaten their operations.

As a result, some mine surveyors have reported facing obstruction while carrying out their mandated duties, placing them at the centre of intense criticism.

Last week, the prospectors petitioned against the General Notice, arguing that the directive is illegal, disruptive, and costly, and could compromise the confidentiality critical to securing mining claims.

Chief Government Mining Engineer (CGME) Michael Munodawafa addressed the backlash at the Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ) 40th AGM, urging frustrated prospectors to direct their concerns at the regulations, not the professionals enforcing them.

“I would like to touch a bit on Notice 1 of 2025. We have seen many discussions across various platforms where surveyors have been attacked from all sides. But it is not your fault, and it is not anyone’s fault. This is a regulation we are implementing—it’s not something new. So, when you hear our friends opposing you, tell them to go fight the regulations, not me. And feel free to refer them to my office,” he said.

Responding to the petition, Munodawafa emphasised that the concerns raised were familiar and that surveyors are simply fulfilling their responsibilities.

“I have seen on social media that some are calling for a petition. If you examine it carefully and understand our regulations, there is nothing new. Nothing they can hold onto. What we have done is clearly outline roles—this is your job, this is what you do. Do your job, and don’t interfere with anyone else. No one has been marginalised. We are still doing what we are supposed to do,” Munodawafa added.

The controversy highlights the tension between modernisation efforts in Zimbabwe’s mining sector and the concerns of the small-scale mining community.

While the government aims to improve data accuracy and reduce disputes over mining claims, stakeholders are calling for continued dialogue to ensure that regulations are implemented in a way that balances compliance with the practical realities of the industry.

Zimbabwe, a country with plenteousness of minerals, is sitting atop vast reserves of critical commodities. With smart investment and strategic value addition, like refining, smelting, and manufacturing, these resources could multiply national revenues, create jobs, and drive industrial transformation.

Below is a list of the top ten minerals with the highest potential to generate billions more for the country.

1. Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)

Zimbabwe holds around 2.8 billion tonnes of PGMs—ranking second globally—with deposits rich in platinum, palladium, rhodium, and other elements. Beneficiation (smelting, refining, and auto-catalyst production) will dramatically boost earnings.

• Products if value added: Auto catalytic converters, jewellery, fuel cells, refined platinum bars, industrial catalysts.

• Key demand markets: USA, Germany, Japan, China, South Africa, UK — with catalytic converters and hydrogen fuel cell markets leading demand.

2. Chrome

With over 10 billion tonnes of high-grade chromium ores along the Great Dyke, Zimbabwe is a key player in global stainless steel supply.

• Products if value added: Ferrochrome, stainless steel, special alloys.

• Key demand markets: China, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Italy — China consumes over 60% of the world’s ferrochrome for stainless steel.

3. Gold

A cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s mining economy, gold accounted for more than 30% of mineral earnings and totalled 32 tonnes delivered in 2024 via value-added exports of roughly US$5.34 billion.

• Products if value added: Refined bullion, jewellery, coins, electronics components (microchips, circuit boards).

• Key demand markets: India, UAE, Switzerland, USA, Turkey — India alone imports over US$40 billion worth of jewellery-grade gold annually.

4. Lithium

Holding Africa’s largest lithium reserves and ranking among the top globally, lithium exports rose from US$1.8 million (2018) to US$70 million (2022), reaching US$209 million (through September 2023). By 2023, lithium was expected to contribute US$500 million to mining revenue.

• Products if value added: Battery-grade lithium carbonate/hydroxide, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, energy storage cells.

• Key demand markets: China, USA, Germany, South Korea, India — the EV and energy storage industries are projected to surpass US$600 billion globally by 2030.

Zimbabwe plans to ban lithium concentrate exports from January 2027, after raw lithium ore ban from 2022. This signals a firm move toward domestic battery-grade processing and value retention.

5. Diamonds

The prolific Marange fields once produced 12 million carats in a year, worth hundreds of millions. Though the average rough value remains below US$50 per carat, cutting and polishing diamonds locally could yield substantial gains.

• Products if value added: Polished diamonds, jewellery, precision-cut industrial diamonds.

• Key demand markets: India, Belgium, UAE, USA, Hong Kong — India cuts and polishes 90% of the world’s diamonds, while the USA is the largest jewellery market.

6. Coal/ Coke

With 26 billion tonnes of coal—mainly in Hwange and surrounding areas—Zimbabwe could use coal for domestic power generation and export, alleviating energy deficits while earning revenue.

• Products if value added: Coking coal for steel, power generation, coal tar chemicals, fertilisers.

• Key demand markets: China, India, Japan, South Korea — India and China are the world’s top importers of coking coal for steel.

7. Iron & Steel (ZISCO)

Reviving the government-owned ZISCO Steel project, processing iron ore into finished steel, would spur local manufacturing and infrastructure development

• Products if value added: Steel bars, sheets, construction steel, automotive steel.

• Key demand markets: China, India, Vietnam, UAE, EU countries — China accounts for over 50% of global steel demand, while Africa’s infrastructure boom creates a growing regional market.

Currently, Dinson Iron and Steel is producing steel for export, which is a major game-changer for the country. South Africa’s biggest steel producer, ArcelorMittal, is moving ahead with plans to shut down its long steel operations, citing cheaper imports from Zimbabwe as another contributory factor.

8. Coloured Gemstones & Antimony

Antimony is vital for flame retardants; gemstones like emeralds, amethysts, and tourmalines can be cut/polished for export with high margins. Zimbabwe could emulate China’s billion-dollar gemstone jewellery industry.

• Products if value added: Cut and polished gemstones, jewellery.

• Key demand markets: India, Thailand, USA, UAE, UK — the global coloured gemstone market is valued at over US$40 billion, with Dubai emerging as a gemstone trading hub.

9. Nickel

Commonly co-located with PGMs, nickel is essential in batteries and stainless steel. Expansion in this segment could diversify Zimbabwe’s mineral export basket.

• Products if value added: Nickel sulphate (for EV batteries), stainless steel, superalloys for aerospace.

• Key demand markets: China, Indonesia, USA, Japan, Germany — demand for battery-grade nickel is skyrocketing due to the EV industry.

Zimbabwe is also an exporter of Nickel Matts, an intermediate metal product used in the production of materials for nickel-based batteries, such as nickel sulfate, as well as for stainless steel and other industries

10. Rare Earths

Beyond coal, Zimbabwe bears rare earth elements critical for green tech. Integrated value chains in these domains—combining beneficiation and efficient infrastructure—could unlock multicounty growth.

• Products if value added: Magnets, wind turbine components, EV motors, smartphones, defence tech.

• Key demand markets: China, USA, EU, Japan, South Korea — rare earths are critical for green technology and military applications, making them geopolitically strategic.

Summary Table

How “billions” are unlocked by value addition

• PGMs (Pt/Pd/Rh) → autocatalysts & industrial catalysts. Fabrication (washcoating/canning) transforms mined PGMs into high-value components sold to global automakers; per-vehicle catalyst values in the hundreds to low-thousands of dollars scale rapidly across millions of vehicles.

• Lithium/nickel → battery chemicals (LiOH/Li₂CO₃, NiSO₄) and precursor/cathode materials feed EV gigafactories in China/EU/U.S./Korea/Japan; each step (refining → salts → precursors → cells) compounds value-add.

• Chrome → ferrochrome → stainless steel keeps the chrome value in-country if smelted locally, then rolled into flat/long products for construction and appliances.

• Iron ore & coking coal → steel: integrated or mini-mill steel (HRC/rebar) trades at several times ore value per tonne and anchors downstream manufacturing.

• Diamonds → polished & jewellery: cutting/polishing and jewellery fabrication capture the largest margins vs rough.

Value addition is not just an economic choice, it is Zimbabwe’s golden ticket to industrialisation.

While the Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) Rural District Council has won praise for gazetting the Mining and Mineral Panning By-Laws under Statutory Instrument 75 of 2025, questions remain about how councils across Zimbabwe manage the funds collected from miners.

The by-laws require miners to pay an environmental rehabilitation levy, which will finance the restoration of land degraded by mining. However, stakeholders say rehabilitation alone should not be used as a blanket shield by councils. Communities expect transparency in how mining levies are used, and that local authorities invest meaningfully in infrastructure such as road networks, clinics, schools, and water systems.

Rural District Councils (RDCs) have always collected millions in mining levies with little visible development to show for it. Roads to most of the mining sites are in a sorry state, and without strict accountability measures, the new Environmental Rehabilitation Fund risks becoming another avenue for opaque spending.

“The money must not just disappear under the cover of ‘rehabilitation.’ Councils should openly publish the amount they collect from miners, how the money is spent, and ensure it directly benefits the community. Mines and Miners are always blamed for a lack of development, yet we pay our dues,” said an artisanal miner who requested anonymity.

Environmental stewardship remains crucial, but observers argue it should go hand in hand with local development. Road networks in many mining districts remain in poor condition, despite councils collecting levies for years. Mining proceeds must bring visible transformation.

Mines are often blamed for the lack of development in the communities where they operate, yet they regularly pay prescribed RDC fees. What RDCs choose to do with these funds should be communities’ focus.

A Call for Accountability

As Zimbabwe’s mining sector grows, RDCs are expected to play a central role in ensuring that benefits filter down to the grassroots. The government must tighten oversight. Every dollar collected through levies, whether for land rehabilitation or other obligations, must be accounted for.

Only with transparency and genuine development can rural communities fully support the spirit of the new by-laws. Otherwise, show us where the money is going.

In a significant move to formalise and regulate the mining sector, the Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) Rural District Council has passed the Mining and Mineral Panning By-Laws, a progressive piece of legislation now officially gazetted as Statutory Instrument 75 of 2025, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

This proactive step by the UMP Council comes ahead of the long-delayed Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, signalling a new era of localised governance and regulation in the mining sector.

The new bylaws aim to bring sanity and accountability to mining activities, particularly for artisanal miners. They aim to address several critical issues that have historically plagued the sector, offering a clear framework for responsible mining and environmental stewardship.

Key Provisions of the By-Laws

The new regulations lay out a comprehensive framework that mandates several key actions and responsibilities for miners and the council.

Among the most critical issues addressed by the Statutory Instrument are:

Submission of Licenses: All prospecting, exploration, and mining rights licenses must be submitted to the council. This ensures the local authority has a clear record of who is operating within its jurisdiction.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): The submission of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, Plans, and Certificates is now a mandatory requirement for miners. This is a crucial step towards mitigating the environmental damage often associated with mining.

Environmental Rehabilitation: Miners are now required to pay an environmental rehabilitation levy, with different categories for different types of miners. This levy will be used to create an Environmental Rehabilitation Fund to restore degraded land. Whilst this may be a good initiative, transparency in the use of these funds is of paramount importance.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The by-laws formalise the obligation for miners to undertake corporate social responsibility initiatives, ensuring that local communities benefit from the extraction of their resources.

Inspection and Fee Structure: The council now has the authority to inspect mining activities within its area. Furthermore, the bylaws set a graduated fee structure for artisanal miners, categorised from A to D, making it more manageable for small-scale miners to formalise their operations.