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Zimplats Reports Dip in Quarterly Metal Production Amid Operational Challenges

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Zimplats Reports Dip in Quarterly Metal Production Amid Operational Challenges

The country’s biggest platinum group metals (PGMs) producer, Zimplats Holdings Limited, has reported a significant decline in its final metal production for the quarter ended 30 September 2025, primarily driven by lower head grades and extended repairs to a key furnace component, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

According to the company’s latest operational update, the total 6E (Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium, and Gold) metal in the final product fell to 142,535 ounces. This represents a sharp 24% decrease from the 186,946 ounces produced in the previous quarter (ended June 2025) and a 5% decline compared to the 150,353 ounces achieved in the same period last year (September 2024 quarter). This production dip occurred even as the company celebrated a major safety achievement, reporting zero lost-time injuries for the same period, highlighting a quarter of mixed operational fortunes.

The report highlights a confluence of factors that contributed to the production shortfall. First, the overall 6E head grade saw a 2% year-on-year decrease, falling to 3.30 grams per tonne. This was attributed to a production mix that included more ore from the depletion of high-grade pillars at Rukodzi Mine and a higher proportion of lower-grade ore from the South Pit open-pit operation.

Second, while the volume of ore milled remained stable at 1.98 million tonnes, the concentrator recovery rate fell by 4% from the prior quarter to 75.6%. The company cited the lower head grade and “inconsistent ore supply” as the primary reasons for this inefficiency, which led to a 6% quarterly drop in 6E concentrate production to 158,716 ounces.

The most significant impact on final metal output, however, came from the smelting process. The company undertook extended repairs to the furnace slag tap hole, which disrupted the conversion of concentrate into final metal. This resulted in a build-up of approximately 12,600 6E ounces in concentrate inventory that was not processed during the quarter.

The impact of these challenges was felt across the entire spectrum of metals produced. Platinum production experienced a substantial decline, falling 23% from the June quarter to 66,044 ounces. Palladium output followed a similar trajectory, dropping 24% to 55,828 ounces. The most pronounced decreases were seen in gold, which fell 27% to 7,423 ounces, and rhodium, which was down 28% to 5,919 ounces. Ruthenium and iridium production also fell, declining by 22% to 4,968 ounces and 18% to 2,353 ounces, respectively.

The production of valuable by-product metals was similarly affected. Silver production saw a dramatic 46% decrease to 11,300 ounces. Nickel output fell to 1,326 tonnes, a 31% quarterly decrease, while copper production was 1,041 tonnes, down 29% from the June quarter. Cobalt production rounded out the declines, falling 22% to 18 tonnes for the quarter. When viewed against the performance of the same quarter last year, the picture is somewhat less severe but still shows a general downward trend, with 6E metal in final product down 5% year-on-year.

Despite the challenging quarter, Zimplats clarified that the accumulated concentrate inventory is not a loss but a timing issue. The company stated that this inventory “will be smelted during the remainder of the financial year,” indicating that production is expected to catch up in subsequent quarters once the furnace repairs are fully complete. This planned clearance of the inventory backlog should provide a significant boost to the production figures in the upcoming quarters.

Chizuzu Earns Master’s in Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability

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Chizuzu Earns Master’s in Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability

Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Mashwest Chairman, Timothy Chizuzu, graduated with a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sustainability from Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The advanced degree, reportedly earned with distinction, places him among a new class of experts equipped to tackle the complex challenges at the intersection of natural resource extraction and ecological preservation. His achievement is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with similar accomplishments in government, such as the Deputy Minister of Mines, Dr. Polite Kambamura, also graduating with the same qualification — signalling a growing national emphasis on professionalising and enhancing environmental stewardship within the resource sector.

Chizuzu’s new academic credential provides a robust theoretical foundation to his extensive practical experience. The degree program he completed is designed to equip professionals with the ability to “identify, analyse and propose responses to complex issues and problems” by drawing “systematically and creatively on the principles, theories, practices and methodologies of environmental sustainability.” This knowledge is directly applicable to his multifaceted work, empowering him to develop more effective strategies for Zimbabwe’s developmental efforts.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Timothy Chizuzu is the visionary founder of the National Environment Awareness Trust (NEAT), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to environmental advocacy and education. His leadership at NEAT demonstrates a profound commitment to practical, on-the-ground change.

Under his guidance, NEAT’s core mission focuses on two primary activities:

Community Awareness and Education: The organisation actively “moves around educating people on safe practices of mining, how to keep our environment safe and clean, and how to manage our affluence as miners.” This grassroots approach is crucial for reaching artisanal and small-scale miners directly.

Advocacy for Best Practices: NEAT serves as a resource for the community, making itself available “to be engaged in all environmental management and mining-related issues.” This positions the trust as a key partner for miners seeking to operate more responsibly.

Chizuzu has identified a key challenge in Zimbabwe: the high number of small-scale miners compared to the limited staff at environmental and mining ministries, which makes monitoring and education difficult. Through NEAT, he works to fill this gap, advocating for widespread awareness campaigns so that miners understand not just the regulations, but also the practical methods for land rehabilitation.

Timothy Chizuzu’s influence extends far beyond his work with NEAT, establishing him as a cornerstone of the mining sector in Mashonaland West. His diverse roles include:

Founder of Timella Mining Consultancy: For over a decade, his consultancy has provided “quality mining services to hundreds of miners,” assisting with everything from mining rights acquisition and exploration to legal disputes and mine closure — all with a philosophy centred on client success and integrity.

President of the Zimbabwe Prospectors Association (ZPA): In this capacity, he works to empower Zimbabwean prospectors, represent their interests on national platforms, and advocate for their recognition as “vital and pivotal stakeholders” in the industry.

ZMF National Youth Chairperson: In this leadership role, he focuses on creating employment opportunities for mining graduates, advising them to form syndicates, acquire claims, and attract funding to “create their own employment” and help professionalise the small-scale mining sector.

RESULTS: 2025 Mine Rescue National Competitions

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RESULTS: 2025 Mine Rescue National Competitions

The Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe (MRAZ) successfully held its 2025 National Competitions, showcasing the skill, discipline, and teamwork of mine rescue teams from across the country, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

The event highlighted Zimbabwe’s continued commitment to mine safety and emergency preparedness, with participants demonstrating exceptional capability in both donning and non-donning rescue categories.

Donning category

In a strong display of readiness and precision, How Mine emerged as the overall champion in the Donning Category, securing 1,181 points, followed by Zimplats Ngezi with 1,100 points and Blanket Mine in third place with 1,056 points.

Full results

  1. How Mine – 1181 points
  2. Zimplats Ngezi – 1100 points
  3. Blanket Mine – 1056 points
  4. Mimosa – 1035 points
  5. Freda Rebecca – 991 points
  6. Redwing – 948 points
  7. Unki – 912 points
  8. Hwange Colliery – 427 points

How Mine also scooped the Best Captain (Donning) award, underscoring its dominance and professionalism in this year’s competition.

Non-Donning Results

In the Non-Donning Category, SMC Zimplats claimed top honours with 866 points, followed by Blanket Mine (847) and Shamva Mine (816). Jena Mine placed fourth with 743 points, while Pan African completed the list with 638 points.

Full results

  1. SMC Zimplats – 866 points
  2. Blanket Mine – 847 points
  3. Shamva Mine – 816 points
  4. Jena Mine – 743 points
  5. Pan African – 638 points

SMC Zimplats also produced the Best Captain (Non-Donning), cementing its reputation for technical excellence and leadership in rescue operations.

Special Recognition

The Most Improved Team award went to Jena Mine, reflecting the company’s remarkable progress and growing proficiency in mine rescue operations.

Commitment to Safety Excellence

The MRAZ competitions continue to play a vital role in fostering a culture of safety, preparedness, and continuous improvement in the mining sector. Participating teams not only tested their response times and technical skills but also strengthened collaboration across the industry—key to saving lives in real emergency situations.

Through such events, Zimbabwe’s mining sector continues to demonstrate that safety and teamwork remain at the heart of responsible mining.

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 31 October 2025

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Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 31 October 2025

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

1 oz = 31.1035 g

CategoryPrice ($/g)Price ($/oz)
SG 90% and ABOVE121.353,775.52
SG 85% and above but below 90%120.063,738.36
SG 80% and above but below 85%118.783,699.67
SG 75% and above but below 80%117.493,660.86
Sample 5g and above but below 10g115.573,601.01
Fire Assay CASH121.993,797.49

 

Note: The Fire Assay cash price applies to gold above 100g, with no sample deduction.

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

Premier Moves to Strengthen Zulu Operations with Secondary Flotation Plant

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Premier Moves to Strengthen Zulu Operations with Secondary Flotation Plant

AIM-listed mining and exploration company Premier African Minerals Limited has announced a major step toward stabilising operations at its flagship Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Fort Rixon, revealing plans to acquire and install a secondary flotation plant as part of its ongoing optimisation drive, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The decision follows an engineering audit currently underway at Zulu, aimed at assessing pumping efficiency, water and mass balance, and overall plant performance. The audit team has concluded its site work and is expected to deliver a high-level interim report within days, followed by a full engineering report in the coming week.

According to Premier, the audit’s findings—together with ongoing commercial discussions with its offtake and prepayment partner, Canmax Technologies—will be critical in determining whether the current flotation plant can achieve sustainable commercial production at target grade and tonnage levels in the short term.

Despite expressing confidence that the current flotation plant could eventually meet design capacity, Premier noted that financial constraints have necessitated immediate action. The company has opted to acquire, install, and commission a 15–20 tonnes-per-hour (TPH) flotation plant manufactured by Xinhai Technology Processing EPC, currently located in Harare.

The secondary flotation plant employs a proven metallurgical recovery process similar to those used successfully at other Zimbabwean operations processing comparable ore. Once installed, it is expected to complement the existing flotation plant, potentially expanding overall design capacity and improving performance stability.

Premier’s Managing Director, Graham Hill, said the engineering audit has been essential in identifying and correcting imbalances across the existing process plant.

“My conviction has been that in order to achieve stable and consistent operations, all parts of the plant need to be balanced in terms of mass and water flows,” Hill said.
“The audit team is providing practical engineering suggestions, and with the recent modifications, we remain hopeful that the current plant can achieve pre-production readiness. The secondary flotation plant will supplement these efforts and give us the best opportunity to reach consistent commercial output.”

Hill added that his decision to proceed with the secondary flotation plant followed detailed assessment and negotiations in October, aimed at securing an immediate path to reliable production.

MVSZ Urges Members to Bring Ventilation Expertise to ASM to Enhance Safety

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MVSZ Urges Members to Bring Ventilation Expertise to ASM to Enhance Safety

With the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector bearing the heaviest burden of gassing-related incidents, the Mine Ventilation Society of Zimbabwe (MVSZ) says it is its moral obligation to extend its expertise to the sector, given the critical role ASM plays in Zimbabwe’s economic growth, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This commitment was highlighted at the ongoing MVSZ AGM and Symposium, running under the theme “Optimising Ventilation Systems for Operational Excellence.”

The event brought together mining professionals, regulators, and academics to discuss strategies for improving underground ventilation across both large-scale and artisanal operations.

Gassing incidents remain a serious threat, underscoring the need for effective ventilation systems. In 2022, the Chamber of Mines reported 24 fatal mining accidents due to gassing. In 2024, 11 gas accidents resulted in 12 fatalities, with the ASM sector bearing the greatest burden. The first half of 2025 has already recorded a fatal incident, highlighting the persistent risk.

In his address, MVSZ President Dr Tonderai Chikande said it is the society’s duty to support ASM miners and called for an all-stakeholder approach to achieve this goal:

“Artisanal mining is the double-edged sword of Zimbabwe’s mining economy. On one hand, ASM sustains livelihoods. On the other, it is a silent crisis of exposure — no ventilation planning, no dust control, no health surveillance,” he said.

“Our colleagues are inhaling silica dust without warning, exposed to heat stress, toxic gases, and even oxygen-depleted zones. As a society, we have a moral obligation to extend our expertise and influence into the informal mining sector, and I am calling on all stakeholders today — government, private sector, and academia — to build bridges with the ASM community,” Chikande added.

This call comes at a time when ASM has become an integral part of Zimbabwe’s economy, delivering 23.7 tonnes of gold in 2024 and 17.76 tonnes in the first half of 2025 to Fidelity Gold Refinery, accounting for a significant share of the country’s gold output.

These statistics underline why ventilation practitioners must extend their expertise to ASM operations.

Improving air quality and safety in these mines not only protects thousands of underground workers but also safeguards a sector that is crucial to Zimbabwe’s economy. Enhancing safety in ASM mines ensures that this vital contribution can continue sustainably and productively.

Boardroom Role for Ventilation Experts and Regulatory Reform Spotlighted at MVSZ Symposium

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Boardroom Role for Ventilation Experts and Regulatory Reform Spotlighted at MVSZ Symposium

The Mine Ventilation Society of Zimbabwe (MVSZ) has called for the active involvement of ventilation practitioners in mine decision-making and the modernisation of occupational hygiene and ventilation regulations — actions seen as critical to addressing the real risks miners face today, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This call was made by MVSZ President Dr. Tonderai Chikande at the highly subscribed Annual General Meeting and Symposium, where industry experts gathered not only to learn but also to propose and lobby for solutions to the sector’s pressing challenges.

A central issue highlighted at the event is the limited role ventilation practitioners currently play in mine planning and policy decisions.

Unlike in countries such as South Africa, where these experts routinely sit on decision-making boards, Zimbabwe often consults them only after mine designs are finalised — a reactive approach that can leave miners exposed to hazards such as high dust levels, heat stress, poor airflow, and diesel particulate matter (DPM).

Faced with this challenge, Dr. Chikande said it is time to change the narrative and ensure ventilation practitioners are represented at board level.

“Ventilation practitioners are often seen as problem-solvers at the tail end of a crisis. But we must change that narrative. We need to be in the boardroom, not just in the shaft bottom. We must be heard before projects are designed, not after. Our science must influence mine planning, not just audits,” he said.

Legislative reform was also a critical focus of the symposium, which emphasised the need to modernise Zimbabwe’s occupational hygiene and ventilation regulations — many of which were drafted decades ago, long before diesel-powered fleets, digital monitoring technologies, and the rapid growth of artisanal and small-scale mining.

As a result, key occupational stressors, including DPM, silica and respirable crystalline quartz, thermal stress, noise and vibration, and radon in underground mines, remain under-recognised and under-reported.

In a plea to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Dr. Chikande said there is an urgent need to modernise legislation so that it addresses those challenges and the “real risks” mine ventilation faces today.

“The message is clear: regulatory reform is not merely a bureaucratic exercise — it is central to protecting miners’ health while supporting sustainable and efficient mining,” Dr. Chikande said. “Our plea today is simple: let us modernise our legal framework so it reflects the real risks miners face in Zimbabwe today. Let us move from minimum compliance to proactive enforcement. Good regulation does not stifle industry — it strengthens it. It creates consistency, predictability, and a level playing field where safety is never compromised for profit.”

Proposed reforms to address these gaps include:

  • Reviewing exposure thresholds for DPM, silica, and respirable dust to reflect modern mining realities.

  • Integrating advanced monitoring technologies into the regulatory framework for proactive detection and prevention.

  • Strengthening ventilation design codes for both small-scale and underground operations.

  • Making the involvement of ventilation practitioners mandatory in mine planning and compliance audits.

The MVSZ reiterated its commitment to partnering with government regulators, mining companies, and other stakeholders to ensure ventilation expertise is integrated into early-stage planning and boardroom decisions. Doing so, the society argued, will better safeguard miners, improve operational efficiency, and align Zimbabwe with international best practices in mine safety.

All set for the 2025 Chamber of Mines Mine Rescue National Competition

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All set for the 2025 Chamber of Mines Mine Rescue National Competition

All is set for the 2025 Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe (MRAZ) National Mine Rescue Competition, taking place tomorrow, October 31, at How Mine in Matabeleland South. The highly anticipated event will see Zimbabwe’s leading mining companies compete in rigorous rescue simulations designed to test their emergency preparedness, teamwork, and safety excellence.

According to the official programme, proceedings will begin in the early hours of Friday morning. Teams will arrive at 0200 hours, followed by security protocols, inductions, medical check-ups, and breakfast facilitated by the SHEQ, Wellness Centre, and Club Controller teams.

By 0330 hours, both surface and underground rescue teams are expected to report for control, with the first team descending underground at 0400 hours and the last team at 0845 hours.

While underground rescue simulations take place, partners and sponsors will showcase their latest safety and rescue products at the LDV Club from 0900 hours, creating an interactive platform for industry collaboration and innovation.

At 1000 hours, teas will be served ahead of the official ceremony, which begins at 1200 hours.

How Mine Manager, Mr. O. Gwede, will deliver the welcome address, followed by remarks from Mr. David Matyanga of the Chamber of Mines Secretariat. The Senior Judge will then provide comments on the competition’s standards and performance before the Keynote Address is delivered by the Guest of Honour.

The Vote of Thanks will be given by Dr Chinyere, the President of MRAZ and Chairperson of the Chamber of Mines SHE Committee, before the much-anticipated presentation of prizes at 1310 hours, to be officiated by representatives from the Chamber of Mines and the Guest of Honour.

The event will conclude with a networking lunch at 1400 hours, allowing participants, stakeholders, and safety professionals to interact and share experiences.

This year’s competition will feature some of the country’s leading mines competing in both Donning and Non-Donning categories.

Participating Teams:

  • Donning: Blanket Mine, How Mine, Hwange Colliery Company Ltd, Mimosa Mining Company Ltd, Redwing Mine, Unki Mine, Zimplats Mine

  • Non-Donning: Blanket Mine, Freda Rebecca Mine, Jena Mines, Pan African, Shamva Gold Mine, Zimplats SMC

The MRAZ National Mine Rescue Competition is a flagship event in Zimbabwe’s mining calendar, promoting safety preparedness, technical competence, and teamwork across the mining sector. It also serves as a platform for continuous improvement in emergency response standards, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s mines remain among the safest in the region.

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 30 October 2025

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Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 30 October 2025

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

1 oz = 31.1035 g

CategoryPrice ($/g)Price ($/oz)
SG 90% and ABOVE121.733,787.19
SG 85% and above but below 90%120.443,747.00
SG 80% and above but below 85%119.153,706.80
SG 75% and above but below 80%117.863,666.61
Sample 5g and above but below 10g115.933,607.20
Fire Assay CASH122.373,806.18

 

Note: The Fire Assay cash price applies to gold above 100g, with no sample deduction.

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

Not Just Mining: Zimbabwe Urges Global Investors to Manufacture and Industrialise

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Not Just Mining: Zimbabwe Urges Global Investors to Manufacture and Industrialise

Zimbabwe has issued a bold invitation to the global mining industry, urging investors to move beyond the extraction of raw minerals and establish manufacturing plants and industries within the country—a move set to transform the nation’s economic landscape, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The call was made by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Winston Chitando, during his keynote address at the prestigious China Mining Conference and Exhibition.

Under the theme “Zimbabwe: Africa’s Premier Mining Investment Destination – Partnership, Growth and Beneficiation,” Minister Chitando outlined a visionary path that positions Zimbabwe as a future hub for value-added production.

“We invite you to not just mine in Zimbabwe, but to manufacture and industrialise with us,” Minister Chitando declared, delivering the core message from His Excellency President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa.

He stated that the government would no longer be content with being a mere exporter of raw materials, emphasising that the future of mining in Africa lies in moving down the value chain.

“This is where our partnership reaches its highest potential,” he said. “By investing in beneficiation, you secure a strategic advantage: access to raw materials at the source, transformed into high-value products for the global market. You are not just extracting value; you are creating it within Zimbabwe, creating jobs, and building an industrial legacy.”

The Minister pointed to the successful and thriving operations of major Chinese companies like Huayou Cobalt at Arcadia, Sinomine at Bikita Minerals, and Chengxin at the Sabi Star project as “the most powerful testimony” that Zimbabwe’s partnership model works.

He assured investors of a secure and profitable environment, highlighting the government’s efforts in streamlining licensing, strengthening legal frameworks, and maintaining a stable policy under the Second Republic.

The beneficiation strategy, he detailed, includes establishing lithium processing plants and battery material production facilities to power the global energy transition, expanding ferrochrome smelting capacity, and building value-added industries for platinum group metals (PGMs), gold, and diamonds.

Minister Chitando stated that Zimbabwe possesses the proven partnership model, the vast resources, and the political will to succeed. He invited potential investors to visit the Zimbabwe pavilion at the conference to examine a curated portfolio of bankable projects and to plan a visit to see the opportunities firsthand.

“The narrative is changing. The evidence is on the ground,” he said. “Join us, and together, let us build a legacy of partnership, growth, and industrialisation.”

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