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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 31 July 2025

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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 31 July 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 31 July 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$100.39/g.
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$99.33/g.
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$98.26/g.
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$97.20/g.
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$95.61/g.

Fire Assay CASH $100.92/g.

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100g; no sample is deducted.

A sample of not more than 10g is deducted for the Fire Assay Transfer price.

A 2% royalty is charged on all deposits (Small-scale miners).

A 5% royalty is set for Primary Producers.

Glencore Reports Stronger First-Half Production and Tightens Profit Outlook

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Glencore Reports Stronger First-Half Production and Tightens Profit Outlook

Glencore has posted a 5% increase in copper-equivalent production for the six months ending June 30, 2025, driven by the integration of steelmaking coal volumes from Elk Valley Resources (EVR) in Canada.

By Ryan Chigoche

The diversified miner said the rise reflects operational stability across most commodities, despite challenges in some areas, and comes as the company pushes through a wide-ranging cost optimisation programme.

Steelmaking coal production reached 15.7 million tonnes in the first half of the year, with EVR accounting for 12.7 million tonnes of the total. Australian steelmaking coal operations contributed three million tonnes, a 12% year-on-year decrease caused by the temporary suspension of Oaky Creek following a water inrush.

Energy coal output remained broadly steady at 48.3 million tonnes, supported by stronger volumes from Australia that helped offset production variances elsewhere.

Zinc production rose 12% to 465,200 tonnes, boosted by higher grades at Antamina in Peru and better output from the McArthur River mine in Australia. Copper production, however, fell 26% to 343,900 tonnes, as planned mining sequences resulted in lower head grades and recoveries.

Cobalt output increased 19% to 18,900 tonnes, benefiting from improved grades and higher production from the Mutanda operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ferrochrome production dropped 28% to 433,000 tonnes due to persistent pressure on smelting margins, which prompted Glencore to suspend operations at the Boshoek and Wonderkop smelters in South Africa.

The Lion smelter is also temporarily offline for annual maintenance and scheduled rebuilds. Nickel production, excluding 5,000 tonnes from Koniambo before it was transitioned to care and maintenance, was 7% lower at 36,600 tonnes, largely due to maintenance downtime at the Murrin Murrin facility in Australia.

Glencore CEO Gary Nagle said the group is making solid progress in streamlining its industrial asset portfolio and capturing efficiencies across its operations. A detailed review carried out during the first half identified $1 billion in cost-saving opportunities across various business units.

These savings, he said, are expected to be fully realised by the end of 2026, with some benefits already flowing through in the second half of 2025. Further details will be disclosed during the company’s half-year results presentation on August 6.

Nagle added that the group has narrowed its full-year production guidance to reflect the operational performance achieved so far this year. He emphasised Glencore’s focus on maintaining safe, reliable production and generating value-accretive growth from its diversified industrial asset base over the coming years.

In addition to operational improvements, Glencore has upgraded its through-the-cycle marketing adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) guidance range to $2.3 billion–$3.5 billion per year, up from the previous $2.2 billion–$3.2 billion range. The midpoint now stands at $2.9 billion, representing a 16% increase from the earlier $2.5 billion estimate.

The earnings outlook has been lifted despite softer prices for some base metals and bulk commodities in the first half of the year. Analysts say Glencore’s ability to raise guidance reflects the resilience of its marketing operations and the benefits of its diversified portfolio, which includes exposure to battery metals, energy transition commodities, and long-life coal assets.

Glencore’s latest update follows a period of significant portfolio reshaping and cost discipline aimed at navigating uncertain commodity markets. With commodity demand growth still mixed across regions, the company said it remains focused on operational efficiency and capital discipline while preparing for a potential market recovery in 2026.

Glencore’s production trends and cost-saving strategies hold particular relevance for Zimbabwe’s mining sector, especially as the country expands its focus on battery metals like cobalt and nickel.

The company’s increase in cobalt output from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a key regional neighbour, highlights the growing importance of high-grade, responsibly sourced battery minerals in Southern Africa.

Kumba Iron Sees Stability in South Africa’s Rail Woes, But Broader Regional Infrastructure Still Needs Attention

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Kumba Iron Sees Stability in South Africa’s Rail Woes, But Broader Regional Infrastructure Still Needs Attention

Anglo American’s South African iron ore arm, Kumba Iron Ore, says rail disruptions that have plagued mineral exports for over a year are now stabilising — but experts caution that Southern Africa’s broader rail network remains fragile and in urgent need of investment if the region is to unlock its full mining and trade potential, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The mining heavyweight, majority-owned by Anglo American Plc, reported improved performance from state-run Transnet, whose persistent logistical bottlenecks — particularly on the Sishen-Saldanha line — had severely impacted the export of iron ore from the country’s Northern Cape. In the first half of 2024, Kumba saw a 3% increase in production to 18.3 million tonnes, and export sales rose 2% to 18.6 million tonnes.

Transnet, under intense pressure from miners and industry players, appears to be regaining control over operations that had previously seen Kumba declare force majeure. However, rail availability remains below full potential, and the system still operates well beneath its design capacity of 60 million tonnes per annum.

Zimbabwe’s Rail Troubles: A Shared Regional Bottleneck

While Kumba’s situation offers a glimmer of hope, neighbouring Zimbabwe continues to battle serious rail capacity challenges that mirror the South African experience — albeit on a more acute scale. In a recent article published by Mining Zimbabwe, Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO), a subsidiary of China’s Tsingshan Group, called for a total overhaul of Zimbabwe’s railway infrastructure to accommodate the surge in bulk cargo expected from its new US$1 billion steel plant in Manhize.

According to DISCO officials, the country’s current rail system is grossly inadequate for transporting heavy materials such as iron ore, ferrochrome, and coke. The company projects that at full capacity, its Manhize operation will require two to three fully functional train sets per day. Without modern, efficient rail transport, DISCO — and Zimbabwe more broadly — risks relying on road haulage that is both environmentally damaging and economically unsustainable.

DISCO’s concerns echo those of Kumba, highlighting a systemic issue across the region: bulk commodity miners are being held back not by geology or investment, but by outdated rail infrastructure.

Why Rail Matters for the Region’s Mining Future

Southern Africa’s mineral wealth — from Zimbabwe’s burgeoning steel and lithium industries to South Africa’s iron ore and platinum mines — relies heavily on reliable and cost-effective logistics networks. Rail remains the most efficient and scalable option for moving bulk cargo to ports, yet the region has struggled with ageing tracks, limited locomotive availability, and inconsistent service delivery.

In Zimbabwe, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) remains in dire need of recapitalisation. Despite several attempts at public-private partnerships and the signing of MoUs with Chinese investors, little tangible progress has been made. Meanwhile, trucks continue to clog highways and border posts, raising costs for miners and exporters while damaging road infrastructure.

In South Africa, industry has been vocal. The Minerals Council of South Africa estimates that Transnet’s inefficiencies cost the mining industry over ZAR 50 billion (US$2.7 billion) in lost revenue in 2023 alone. While there are signs of improvement in 2024, the gap between what is mined and what can be exported remains too wide.

A Continental Imperative: Coordinated Rail Investment

There is growing consensus that Southern Africa needs a coordinated regional approach to rail rehabilitation and expansion. Multilateral institutions, bilateral partners — particularly China, which has significant mining interests across the region — and private capital must be mobilised if the continent’s vast mineral wealth is to translate into real economic transformation.

DISCO’s call for urgent action in Zimbabwe and Kumba’s cautious optimism in South Africa both point to the same conclusion: mining growth will remain capped until infrastructure catches up.

In the words of one Zimbabwean mining analyst: “We have the minerals. What we lack is the movement.”

Regulatory Crackdowns and Speculation Drive Volatility in China’s Lithium Market

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Regulatory Crackdowns and Speculation Drive Volatility in China’s Lithium Market

China’s lithium market, a critical source of battery raw materials, is experiencing a fresh bout of volatility as investors react to possible supply disruptions and tougher government oversight.

By Ryan Chigoche

Lithium carbonate prices on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange jumped by the daily limit of 8% last Friday, closing the week 14% higher. The exchange then moved to curb speculative trading, triggering a sharp drop in futures prices on Monday.

Shares of leading Chinese producers, including Tianqi Lithium Corp. and Chengxin Lithium Group Co., have also climbed about 25% in Shenzhen since the start of the month.

Fears over future output and Beijing’s push to cut industrial overcapacity have helped fuel the rally. The uncertainty has spilled over to international markets, pushing up physical spodumene prices and sparking sharp moves in global futures contracts.

Traders say the market remains highly sensitive to developments in China, the world’s top producer and consumer of lithium.

Price swings are not new for the sector. Spot prices peaked at nearly 600,000 yuan (US$84,000) per ton in late 2022 but collapsed to around 60,000 yuan (US$8,400) earlier this year amid oversupply and slowing electric vehicle (EV) battery demand.

That plunge has stoked expectations that authorities will act to support the market and avoid further supply chain disruption.

Jiangxi Province, home to China’s lithium hub of Yichun, is drawing intense scrutiny. Known for its spodumene and lepidolite reserves, Jiangxi is forecast to supply about 10% of the world’s mined lithium in 2025, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.

Officials in the province recently ordered eight mining firms to submit updated reserves reports by the end of September after audits revealed irregularities in approvals and registrations. Analysts believe the crackdown signals a stronger stance on compliance and could be used to tighten supply if needed.

Some producers are already adjusting operations. Jiangxi Special Electric Motor Co. has suspended lithium salt production at its Yichun plant for 26 days for cost savings and maintenance.

In June, Sinomine Resource Group Co. halted a project in the province for six months to upgrade its technology. Tighter controls are also spreading beyond Jiangxi. Authorities in Qinghai Province last month ordered Zangge Mining Co. to stop illegal mining activities.

While the immediate hit to output is limited, analysts warn that broader enforcement could cut supplies significantly if inspections intensify nationwide.

China’s dominance of the global lithium supply chain means any disruption has worldwide repercussions. The country is not only a leading producer but also the largest refiner of the metal, which is vital for EV batteries, smartphones, and energy storage.

Current volatility comes at a difficult time for the global EV industry, which faces rising costs and uneven demand. Although sales remain strong in markets such as China and Europe, some automakers have scaled back battery orders as they manage inventory and changing consumer preferences.

A tighter Chinese lithium market could push up costs for battery manufacturers everywhere, affecting EV affordability and potentially slowing the energy transition. Market participants are closely watching whether Beijing will introduce further measures, especially in Jiangxi, where compliance audits are ongoing.

For now, it is unclear if the government intends to deliberately curb supply to support prices. But the combination of inspections, production cuts, and speculative buying has already made China’s lithium sector one of the most volatile commodity markets in 2025.

Zimbabwe’s Mines and Minerals Bill Set to Transform Mining with Strong ESG Focus as Consultations Loom

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Zimbabwe’s Mines and Minerals Bill Set to Transform Mining with Strong ESG Focus as Consultations Loom

Zimbabwe’s new Mines and Minerals Bill, which will soon undergo nationwide consultations before gazetting, has been described as the most comprehensive attempt yet to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) obligations into mining regulation.

By Ryan Chigoche

The draft law not only strengthens environmental protection and social accountability but also ties compliance directly to the preservation of mining rights, something the current Mines and Minerals Act largely ignores.

The Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 was published by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development in early 2025 as part of Zimbabwe’s effort to modernise its mining legislation. It looks to replace the nearly three-decade-old Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05], aiming to address emerging challenges in the sector, including environmental protection, community rights, and governance standards, among other important issues to be corrected from the current Act.

In recent times, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have become the global benchmark for sustainable business practices, and with the nature of its operations, the mining sector sits at the core of this shift. ESG frameworks demand that companies minimise environmental harm, build strong and respectful relationships with communities, and maintain transparent, ethical governance.

For mining, this means protecting ecosystems, ensuring fair labour conditions, supporting local development, and being held accountable for decisions that impact people and the planet.

One of the biggest ESG advances in the Bill is the requirement for miners to first acquire a social licence before being granted a full licence to carry out mining operations.

Under the existing Act governing the mining sector, environmental provisions are minimal and fragmented, with much responsibility left to the Environmental Management Act. Mining companies are not required to submit Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) before registering a title, and there are no explicit obligations for community engagement or benefit-sharing. Complaint mechanisms are weak, and forfeiture of rights is mostly tied to failure to work a claim, not to failure to protect the environment or engage communities.

The new Bill directly addresses these gaps. Clause 154 requires every mining leaseholder and special grant holder to submit a Statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a Social Responsibility Certificate within 30 days of registration. This certificate, issued by a certified third party, confirms that miners are actively engaging surrounding communities, respecting cultural heritage sites, and delivering tangible social and economic benefits such as schools, clinics, and jobs.

Further strengthening this is the Bill’s link between ESG compliance and the preservation of mining rights—perhaps its most transformative change. Under current law, a miner can maintain rights even while damaging the environment, provided they “work the claim.” Under the new Bill, failure to meet EIA, Social Responsibility, or rehabilitation obligations can result in suspension or even forfeiture of mining titles.

This “use it responsibly or lose it” approach mirrors international best practices and sends a clear message that ESG obligations are not optional.

Empowering Communities and Strengthening Accountability

For the first time, communities and local authorities will have formal avenues to hold miners accountable. Clause 155 empowers the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and Rural District Councils (RDCs) to lodge complaints against miners who breach environmental or social obligations. If breaches are confirmed, the Provincial Mining Director can deny inspection certificates or suspend operations until defaults are remedied.

This is a stark improvement from the current Act, which gives communities little influence over mining operations in their areas. Now, communities can indirectly compel miners to comply, while the Minister retains powers under Clauses 182 and 183 to suspend rights for up to 60 days in environmental emergencies or impose conservation measures such as pollution controls.

An Environmental Fund to Guarantee Rehabilitation

Mine rehabilitation remains a major issue in Zimbabwe, primarily due to the legacy of unregulated mining practices and the financial burden of rehabilitating abandoned sites. This problem is compounded by the lack of comprehensive legislation enforcing mandatory rehabilitation by mining companies, risking long-term environmental damage, including water contamination and soil erosion.

A significant new addition is the Mining Industry Environmental Protection Fund (MIEPF), created under Clauses 180–191. Funded through insurance or a 0.1% gross mineral production levy, the MIEPF ensures that even if a company defaults, resources will be available for environmental rehabilitation, pollution control, and compensation for landholders affected by mining activities.

In contrast, the existing Act has no such fund, leaving communities and the government to deal with the aftermath when miners abandon polluted sites. The new Bill also establishes a multi-stakeholder committee, including EMA, the Ministry of Finance, the Chamber of Mines, and small-scale miners to manage the fund, adding much-needed transparency.

Closing the Governance Gap

Good governance is at the heart of effective ESG performance. It ensures companies are transparent, accountable, and managed with integrity, building trust with investors and communities alike. Without strong governance, even the best environmental and social initiatives can fall short, making it a critical foundation for sustainable business success.

The Bill modernises governance by introducing a digital cadastre for transparent tracking of licences and obligations. It requires independent third-party certification for social responsibility and mandates annual audits of the Environmental Protection Fund. By comparison, the current Act’s oversight structures are heavily centralised and opaque, making it difficult for communities or civil society to track what companies owe or deliver.

If enacted in its current form, the Mines and Minerals Bill will make Zimbabwe a regional leader in embedding ESG into mining law. For communities, it means stronger protections for land and livelihoods, and a louder voice in how mineral wealth is developed. For investors, it signals a more structured and transparent regulatory environment.

Energy and Mining Lead Zimbabwe’s Investment Momentum in Q2 2025

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Energy and Mining Lead Zimbabwe’s Investment Momentum in Q2 2025

Zimbabwe’s investment landscape maintained strong momentum in the second quarter of 2025, buoyed by significant inflows into energy and mining projects, a surge in licence renewals, and the operationalisation of a key investor protection mechanism. The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) reported issuing 190 new investment licences during the quarter, translating to a projected investment value of US$2.47 billion—a 36.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

By Ryan Chigoche

The energy sector emerged as the clear leader in terms of projected investment value, accounting for US$1.8 billion (74%) of total commitments. This growth was driven largely by renewable energy and power infrastructure projects, including a major natural gas and coal project in Gwayi, Lupane District, Matabeleland South Province. The single project alone contributed US$1.81 billion to the province’s investment projections, cementing its position as the top recipient of capital in Q2.

The mining sector, while second in terms of projected investment value at US$369.23 million (15.2%), recorded the highest number of new licences with 91 issued in the period. Although this represented a slight 8.2% decline compared to Q1 2025, it marked a 23.4% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024.

This sustained investor interest reflects the strong global appetite for Zimbabwe’s vast mineral resource potential, even as capital equipment from abroad continues to be a primary form of investment in the sector.

The symbiotic relationship between energy and mining was particularly evident in Q2 2025. Mining operations depend heavily on a reliable power supply for exploration, extraction, and processing, while energy projects benefit from demand driven by mining activity. This synergy not only enhances project viability but also creates a multiplier effect across the economy.

For instance, the Gwayi natural gas and coal project is expected to power both industrial and mining operations, lowering operational costs and supporting value addition in mineral beneficiation. This integrated approach highlights how energy investments are catalysing growth in mining and vice versa, ultimately driving Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.

Meanwhile, highlighting the strengthening of investor confidence, foreign currency equity injections accounted for 85.7% (US$2.12 billion) of total proposed investment in the quarter, marking a shift from Q1 2025 when capital equipment imports dominated.

As a result, actual investment inflows for monitored projects licensed between January 2022 and June 2025 stood at US$1.03 billion, representing 25% of total projected investment. This was a 13% increase from US$0.91 billion in Q1, underscoring improved capital absorption rates.

Licence renewals surged by 137% compared to Q1 2025, with 107 renewals processed and actualised investments valued at US$221.68 million.

The improved compliance has been attributed to ZIDA’s enhanced monitoring framework, which includes proactive follow-ups through email reminders and direct calls. The percentage of licences renewed within stipulated timelines improved to 24%, up from 15% in Q1 2025.

According to the agency in its report, a significant milestone for the quarter was the operationalisation of the Investor Grievance Response Mechanism (IGRM), which safeguards investor rights by addressing grievances stemming from government actions or policy shifts. This structured platform builds on reforms introduced under the ZIDA Act [Chapter 14:38], ensuring timely dispute resolution and minimising disruptions.

While energy and mining dominated projected investment, the manufacturing sector accounted for the largest share (62%) of actual investment inflows, followed by agriculture (20%), with services and mining each contributing 8%. This diverse performance demonstrates the breadth of investor interest across Zimbabwe’s economy.

The Q2 2025 results paint an encouraging picture of Zimbabwe’s evolving investment climate, characterised by regulatory reforms, strong investor confidence, and growing synergies between key sectors such as mining and energy.

As the country continues to build a reliable energy base, mining operations are expected to benefit from improved efficiency and cost structures, further attracting large-scale capital projects.

AMSZ Gears Up for Landmark AGM and Exhibition in Bulawayo

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AMSZ Gears Up for Landmark AGM and Exhibition in Bulawayo

With just 29 days to go, Zimbabwe’s mining surveyors are preparing for what promises to be more than just an annual gathering. This year marks four decades of professional excellence, data integrity, and technical backbone in the country’s mining sector.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ) will host its 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Exhibition on the 28th and 29th of August 2025 at the Zimbabwe School of Mines in Bulawayo.

Under the theme “AMSZ @40: Surveying the Future – Advancing Data Integrity, Operational Excellence, and Investor Confidence for a Thriving Zimbabwean Mining Sector,” the event is not just a celebration of history — it’s a call to action for the future of Zimbabwean mining.

At a time when digital transformation, investment attraction, and operational efficiency are reshaping the mining landscape, the role of mine surveyors has never been more vital. The AGM will bring together seasoned professionals, students, mining companies, technology providers, government officials, and investors to discuss how surveying continues to anchor the success of exploration, production, compliance, and safety in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.

Why It Matters

Surveying has often been one of the unsung heroes of mining. Behind every shaft design, open pit plan, tailings dam, and underground expansion is a surveyor — ensuring that data is accurate, plans are feasible, and safety is guaranteed.

For the last 40 years, AMSZ has stood at the forefront of professionalising the surveying space, advocating for continuous learning, technological integration, and policy alignment. Now, with Zimbabwe’s mining industry eyeing a US$40 billion milestone and expanding its footprint in lithium, PGMs, and critical minerals, surveyors are under even more pressure to deliver precision under complexity.

What to Expect at the AGM and Exhibition

Day 1 (28 August) is reserved for AMSZ members only and will feature the formal Annual General Meeting (AGM) reports and internal resolutions.

Day 2 (29 August) is open to all and will feature technical presentations, exhibitions, and keynote addresses on modern trends, ESG-aligned mapping, drone technology, 3D and AI integration, and the regulatory implications of the new Mines and Minerals Bill on surveying.

Technology suppliers, instrument manufacturers, and software developers will be on hand to showcase the latest tools powering mine planning and real-time reporting. It’s also a space where young students and graduate surveyors will meet mentors and industry leaders.

Conference Fees

  • Members: US$200 (includes lunch, merchandise, and access to both days)

  • Students: Free for AMSZ student members

  • Non-Members: US$350 (includes lunch & merchandise for the 29th only)

  • Exhibitors: Contact AMSZ for partnership packages

Payment Deadlines

  • Early bird: 31 July 2025

  • Final registration: 22 August 2025

Contact Details
Phone: +263 773 302 920 / +263 773 254 961 / +263 774 460 911
Email: [email protected]

Celebrating 40 Years of Influence

AMSZ’s 40-year milestone represents not just survival, but growth. In an industry where the rules constantly change and technology is evolving, AMSZ has remained relevant. Through decades marked by economic sanctions, currency swings, global metal price fluctuations, and structural reforms, surveyors continued working — mapping boundaries, pegging claims, digitising orebody data, and ensuring mines stay compliant.

AMSZ’s influence extends beyond its membership — it speaks into national policy, educational curriculum design, and investor assurance. The new Mines and Minerals Bill, for instance, will impact surveying procedures, licensing expectations, and mine development protocols. AMSZ has been part of those consultations, ensuring that the voice of the professional is not lost in the noise.

The AGM isn’t just about technical jargon. It’s about building the next generation of surveyors — especially as the industry seeks to modernise and localise more talent. It’s also about reflecting on the responsibilities that come with data. With the mining sector under growing scrutiny for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance, data integrity — and those who generate it — becomes mission critical.

This is not just a meet-up. It’s a platform where history meets the future. And for a sector that’s literally built on rock-solid foundations, AMSZ’s 40-year journey is one worth celebrating — and shaping for the next generation.

Mining Zimbabwe will be there to cover it all.

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 30 July 2025

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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 30 July 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 30 July 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$100.76/g.
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$99.69/g.
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$98.63/g.
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$97.56/g.
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$95.96/g.

Fire Assay CASH $101.29/g.

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100g; no sample is deducted.

A sample of not more than 10g is deducted for the Fire Assay Transfer price.

A 2% royalty is charged on all deposits (Small-scale miners).

A 5% royalty is set for Primary Producers.

Is Time Catching Up With Peggers? Why Zimbabwe Must Act Now to Upgrade Them

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Is Time Catching Up With Peggers? Why Zimbabwe Must Act Now to Upgrade Them
  • Market Demands Are Shifting Towards Precision and Compliance
  • Government Regulations Now Require Survey-Grade Coordinates
  • Peggers Must Upskill to Stay Relevant
  • Peggers Are Vital to the ASM Sector but Need Institutional Support
  • Legal Accountability Is Increasing for Spatial Data Submission

As the demand for precision and cost-efficiency grows in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, peggers risk becoming obsolete not because of the law, but because clients increasingly prefer surveyors who can both peg and submit compliant, survey-grade coordinates.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

While the writing is on the wall for peggers, also known as staking agents, who lack formal mine surveying qualifications, the real threat isn’t from legislative changes but from shifting market expectations. Investors and mining companies now demand precision, legal defensibility, and data-driven compliance, making qualified surveyors more attractive than peggers who rely on tape measures and handheld GPS devices.

In this evolving environment, professionals who can offer both pegging services and legally acceptable survey data will dominate. Mine surveyors who are also staking agents offer a one-stop solution, saving clients time and money. Institutions like the Zimbabwe School of Mines are already training such multi-skilled professionals, setting the pace for the future of Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

Despite this shift, many peggers remain confident that existing laws will continue to protect their relevance. When Mining Zimbabwe published an article titled “New Law Threatens to Render Peggers Obsolete,” it sparked backlash from peggers who felt unfairly targeted.

They argued their role remains indispensable, particularly in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector, which contributes over 60% of Zimbabwe’s gold production. Peggers have traditionally helped miners identify and register claims, often in remote areas under harsh conditions, using deep local knowledge.

Their contribution to Zimbabwe’s gold boom is undeniable. However, the operational and regulatory terrain is shifting. Recent government directives now prohibit the use of handheld GPS for pegging, instead requiring survey-grade coordinates. This signals a push towards formalising the sector, improving boundary clarity, and reducing disputes, a shift that increasingly favours survey-trained professionals.

In an exclusive interview with Mining Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Prospectors Association (ZPA) President Timothy “Zheyu” Chizuzu stated that peggers aren’t going away, but they must evolve. “Peggers will survive,” he said, “but only those who upgrade their skills and understand that future boundaries will rely on accurate coordinates.”

Chizuzu clarified that the goal is not to turn peggers into full surveyors, but to train them on how to accurately operate differential GPS (DGPS) technology and manipulate geospatial data to generate reliable survey-grade coordinates. This technical upskilling, he said, would allow peggers to meet new regulatory demands without the long and costly process of becoming certified surveyors.

However, he also emphasised that once peggers are entrusted with producing and submitting critical spatial data, they must be held to the same standards of accountability as surveyors.

“If a pegger submits false or inaccurate coordinates that cause boundary disputes or loss of investment,” Chizuzu said, “they should face the full wrath of the law, including possible jail time. Accuracy must come with responsibility.”

To ignore peggers would be a mistake. They have navigated the roughest terrains, supported small-scale miners from grassroots to gold sales, and earned trust in communities where government and corporate presence is limited. But nostalgia cannot sustain a billion-dollar sector now driven by digitisation, traceability, and legal compliance.

What’s needed is not replacement, but reinforcement through skills development.

The Zimbabwe School of Mines and other vocational training institutions should offer modular programs and short courses designed specifically for registered peggers. These should focus on accurate use of differential GPS, digital data handling, and legal requirements under the evolving mining law. The goal is to transform today’s peggers into competent, data-driven staking professionals, preserving their relevance and securing their economic future.

The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill may not outlaw peggers outright, but it is ushering in a new operational standard. In that new world, clients will not choose based on tradition or loyalty, but on value, compliance, and legal certainty.

The government has an opportunity right now to be proactive. It must not wait for a crisis or for thousands of peggers to be pushed out of work before acting. Their experience, trust, and understanding of Zimbabwe’s mineral-rich geography are national assets. But to stay in the game, these assets must be upgraded.

This is not an obituary for peggers. It’s a call to action.

The future is digital, mapped, and verified, but it can still include peggers. With the right support, they don’t have to be casualties of modernisation. They can be part of it.

Namib Minerals Rings Nasdaq Bell as it Revives Zimbabwe’s Forgotten Gold Mines and Eyes Green Energy Minerals

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Namib Minerals Rings Nasdaq Bell as it Revives Zimbabwe’s Forgotten Gold Mines and Eyes Green Energy Minerals

Despite global headwinds and a tough season for junior mining stocks, Namib Minerals is quietly proving that Zimbabwe’s mining story is not slowing down—in fact, it’s just getting started—with the ringing of the Nasdaq Closing Bell in New York. Far from a Wall Street fanfare, but serving as a bold declaration that Zimbabwe’s mineral sector remains a force worth watching, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

With Zimbabwean diplomats standing shoulder to shoulder with company executives on the Nasdaq stage, the message was unmistakable: Zimbabwe is not just talking investment—it is stepping onto the global stage to prove it means business.

Namib Minerals, a recently Nasdaq-listed mining company, is walking the talk. The company is already producing gold at How Mine and is now pursuing the revival of two strategic gold assets—Jumbo Mine in Mazowe and Redwing Mine in Penhalonga. It has also set its sights on critical minerals in the DRC—copper and cobalt—positioning itself within the heart of the global clean energy transition.

Bell-Ringing Beyond Symbolism

When Ibrahima Sory Tall, CEO of Namib Minerals, led the company’s delegation to ring the Nasdaq Closing Bell on July 25, it wasn’t just another box-ticking moment for a public company. This was a calculated move—one that showed intent, confidence, and most importantly, a firm belief in Zimbabwe as a viable destination for mining investment.

“This milestone reflects Zimbabwe’s renewed engagement with global markets,” Tall said, flanked by Zimbabwe’s UN delegation. “Through strong partnerships, responsible mining, and shared growth, we’re contributing to the evolution of Zimbabwe’s economy and its place in global markets.”

Also present at the event were Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and Minister Plenipotentiary Donald Tatenda Charumbira—signaling state-level backing of Namib’s mission and model. This wasn’t a photo-op—it was a diplomatic endorsement of a company stepping up where others have pulled out or stood still.

Jumbo and Redwing: From Abandonment to Revival

The company’s $400 million capital raise plans are not mere projections. Namib is actively seeking strategic investors to breathe life back into Jumbo Mine in Mazowe and Redwing Mine in Penhalonga—two mines that have seen better days. Once jewels in Zimbabwe’s gold belt, these sites were reduced to conflict zones of artisanal mining, with fatal accidents, lawlessness, and environmental degradation defining their recent legacy.

By taking over these assets, Namib isn’t just reviving dormant gold deposits—it’s reclaiming lost ground and reintroducing order where chaos reigned. In Mazowe and Penhalonga, Namib’s entry offers not just jobs, but structure. It offers a roadmap for what responsible small-to-mid-scale mining investment can look like.

The decision to go public on Nasdaq gives Namib the financial tools—and scrutiny—to handle these revivals with transparency. Investors will demand accountability. Communities will demand impact. And if Namib gets this right, it could set a precedent for how other abandoned assets can be turned around.

Betting on Gold, Banking on Green

While Zimbabwe is central to Namib’s gold play, the bigger picture lies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Namib is positioning itself in the copper and cobalt space—two minerals that are the backbone of the electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing industries.

In a world rapidly shifting toward clean energy, demand for critical minerals is not a passing phase—it’s the new arms race. As the United States ramps up pressure to secure critical mineral supply chains outside of China, and Beijing itself continues to dominate rare earth magnet exports, African nations rich in these minerals are becoming the new geopolitical battleground.

Namib’s move into copper and cobalt isn’t a trend-following gimmick. It’s a strategic pivot. Zimbabwe’s gold might be the foundation, but DRC’s critical minerals could be the future engine.

Why This Matters: Zimbabwe’s Rebranding Needs Stories Like This

Its listing on Nasdaq isn’t just a corporate milestone; it’s a public rebranding of Zimbabwean mining as a sector that can attract sophisticated, ESG-conscious capital. This is no small thing.

In the same year that global giants are trimming PGM operations and investors are fretting about soft commodity prices, Namib is leaning in—betting that Zimbabwe has more to offer than just history and headlines.

Investor Attention Is Now Turned Toward Outcomes

Of course, promises don’t build mines. They don’t create jobs or deliver ounces. What happens next matters more than any bell ceremony.

Will Namib secure the $400 million it seeks without diluting its core vision? Will its team implement world-class safety and community engagement at Jumbo and Redwing? Will it resist the temptation to cut corners, even when commodity cycles fluctuate?

These are the questions that matter now. But one thing is already clear: Namib Minerals has opened the door—not just for itself, but for Zimbabwe.

If they walk through it successfully, they won’t just mine gold. They’ll mine trust. And in a country like Zimbabwe—that might be the rarest resource of all.

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