Home Blog Page 79

Sibanye-Stillwater to Source 30% of Power from Renewables by 2027

Mining
-
0
Sibanye-Stillwater to Source 30% of Power from Renewables by 2027

Sibanye-Stillwater, a company with a significant shareholding in the local Mimosa Mining Company, has unveiled a 600 MW pipeline of solar and wind projects that will supply 30% of its South African electricity demand with low-cost renewable energy by 2027.

By Ryan Chigoche

The Johannesburg- and New York-listed miner, a major producer of platinum group metals (PGMs) and gold, has already made strides through the Castle Wind Farm in the Northern Cape, which entered commercial operation at the end of March. By June 30, Castle had generated 56 GWh of clean energy, avoided 57,000 t of CO₂e emissions, and saved the company R22 million in power costs.

Castle, the largest private-offtake wind farm currently in operation in South Africa, comprises 16 turbines, each capable of producing 6 MW. Located near De Aar, it supplies electricity to Sibanye-Stillwater’s operations through a wheeling agreement with Eskom. The consortium developing the project, led by Anthem and Reatile Renewables, has also committed 0.6% of revenue to local community programmes in education, health, and skills development.

The company’s renewable rollout includes three wind farms – Castle (89 MW), Witberg (103 MW), and Umsinde (140 MW) – along with the 75 MW Springbok solar PV project. Together, the four projects will contribute 407 MW by the end of 2026, cutting Sibanye-Stillwater’s annual emissions by an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂e.

Renewable energy is expected to cost 15%–30% less than Eskom tariffs, offering both environmental and financial benefits.

Outgoing CEO Neal Froneman, who steps down today after more than 12 years at the helm, said the renewable programme underscores the group’s commitment to sustainability:

“Through large-scale solar and wind projects and innovative energy solutions, we are actively reducing our energy costs, reducing our emissions, and strengthening energy security for the South African region.”

Richard Stewart, currently Chief Regional Officer for Southern Africa, succeeds Froneman as CEO.

Sibanye-Stillwater has grown beyond gold into PGMs, battery metals, tailings reprocessing, and recycling under Froneman’s leadership, positioning itself as both a global mining powerhouse and a contributor to climate change mitigation.

Former Zimbabwean Mineworkers to Access Silicosis and TB Compensation Locally

Mining
-
0
Former Zimbabwean Mineworkers to Access Silicosis and TB Compensation Locally

Former Zimbabwean mineworkers who developed permanent lung damage from silicosis or work-related tuberculosis (TB) after working in South African gold mines are now set to access compensation locally, following the official launch of Tshiamiso Trust services in Zimbabwe, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

The announcement coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Tshiamiso Trust, the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), and the Government of Zimbabwe in Harare on Tuesday.

The agreement formalises cooperation to ensure that eligible former mineworkers and their dependents can access compensation they may qualify for.

The Tshiamiso Trust was established in South Africa to compensate former mineworkers across Southern Africa who contracted silicosis or TB while working in qualifying gold mines between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019.

The mines covered under the settlement include operations formerly owned by African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Harmony Gold, and Sibanye-Stillwater.

Following a competitive Request for Proposals process, Baines Occupational Health Services was appointed in November 2024 as the accredited service provider to handle both lodgement and Benefit Medical Examination (BME) services in Zimbabwe.

From November 2025, Baines clinics in Harare, Gweru, and Bulawayo will begin assisting claimants.

Tshiamiso Trust Chief Executive Officer, Dr Munyadziwa Kwinda, said the launch of these services in Zimbabwe represents a key milestone in the Trust’s regional mission to reach all eligible claimants.

“We are honoured to mark this moment in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and NSSA. Thousands of Zimbabwean ex-mineworkers have been waiting for Tshiamiso Trust services to commence so that they can access compensation that they may qualify for. Today’s agreement means they can now lodge their claims and complete the medical assessments required to determine their eligibility for compensation. This is about restoring dignity and delivering on the promise made to the men and families who built the mining industry,” said Dr Kwinda.

NSSA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Charles Shava, welcomed the partnership, describing it as an important step in extending social protection to former mineworkers and their families.

“Zimbabwe is home to many who spent their working lives in South Africa’s mines and returned home with illnesses that changed their futures. Through this collaboration, we are ensuring that those who qualify can now access the compensation due to them, closer to where they live. NSSA remains committed to working with regional partners like Tshiamiso Trust to expand social security and strengthen cross-border protection for our workers,” said Dr Shava.

How to Lodge a Claim

From November 2025, eligible claimants will be able to lodge new claims and complete BMEs at Baines Occupational Health Services clinics in Harare, Gweru, and Bulawayo. They can also update contact details or confirm eligibility status via the Tshiamiso Trust call centre or WhatsApp service.

To qualify, former mineworkers must have carried out risk work at one of the qualifying South African gold mines during the qualifying periods between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019, as outlined in Schedule F of the Trust Deed.

Living mineworkers must have permanent lung impairment from silicosis or TB contracted while doing risk work at these mines.

Those who completed less than five years of qualifying risk work will be required to pay R1,900 for the Benefit Medical Examination (BME), which will be reimbursed if they are found to have an eligible claim. Mineworkers who worked for more than five years in risk areas will receive a free BME.

For deceased mineworkers, claims can be made if there is evidence that they died from work-related TB within a year of leaving the mine, or that they had silicosis if they died between 1 January 2008 and 10 December 2019.

“These are the broad eligibility criteria. Claims are assessed thoroughly, following what is prescribed by the Trust Deed, and specific criteria apply to each of the ten categories available for compensation,” explained Dr. Kwinda.

One-Time Compensation and Caution on Fraud

The Trust has clarified that compensation is a one-time payment. Once eligible claimants receive their payout, they cannot make further claims even if their condition worsens. However, if a claimant is initially deemed ineligible but later develops silicosis symptoms, they are allowed to lodge one further claim.

The Tshiamiso Trust has also warned claimants to be cautious of individuals impersonating its officials or promising to expedite payments. It emphasised that only the Tshiamiso Trust can process claims and that the service is free, apart from the refundable BME fee applicable in some cases.

Quick Guide: How to Make a Claim

  1. Check if you qualify:

  • You must have worked in a qualifying South African gold mine between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019.
  • You must have developed silicosis or work-related TB from exposure while performing risk work.

  1. Gather supporting documents:

  • Proof of employment (industry number, service record, or payslips if available).
  • Medical or death records showing lung disease caused by mining work.

  1. Book an appointment:

    • Visit a Baines Occupational Health Services clinic in Harare, Bulawayo, or Gweru for your Benefit Medical Examination (BME).

  2. Pay or confirm BME fees:

  • R1,900 applies if you worked less than five years in risk work (refundable if eligible).
  • Free if you worked more than five years.

  1. Submit your claim:

    • Lodge through the clinic or contact Tshiamiso Trust directly via call, WhatsApp, or email.

  2. Await assessment:

    • Claims are reviewed under the Trust Deed, with compensation awarded based on the specific eligibility category.

  3. Beware of fraudsters:

    • Tshiamiso Trust services are free of charge. Only contact official numbers or verified platforms listed above.

Unki Mine Records 8% Dip in Quarterly PGM Production

Mining
-
0
Unki Mine Records 8% Dip in Quarterly PGM Production

Valterra Platinum-owned Unki Mine in Shurugwi has reported an 8% year-on-year decline in total platinum group metals (PGM) production for the third quarter of 2025, according to the company’s latest operational update, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The mine produced 57,500 ounces of PGMs in Q3 2025, down from 62,500 ounces in the same period last year. The company attributed the decrease primarily to an expected lower ore grade in the current mining area, a common challenge in the lifecycle of a mining operation.

The production figures, detailed in the report, show a broad-based decline across all key metals. Underpinning this drop was a 5% reduction in tonnes of ore milled, which fell to 653,000 tonnes from 687,000 tonnes in Q3 2024. Furthermore, the crucial 4E built-up head grade—a measure of the concentration of platinum, palladium, rhodium, and gold in the ore—slipped marginally by 1% to 3.28 grams per tonne.

A detailed breakdown of the production highlights the following declines:

  • Platinum (Pt): Output decreased by 5% to 26,600 ounces.
  • Palladium (Pd): Saw a significant 10% drop to 21,700 ounces.
  • Rhodium (Rh): Also fell by 10% to 2,500 ounces.
  • Other PGMs: Production was down 8% to 6,700 ounces.

Despite the weaker quarterly performance, Unki Mine continues to be recognized for its operational stability and efficiency. The challenges faced are presented as largely geological—a natural result of the ore body’s characteristics—rather than stemming from operational failures or external disruptions. This contrasts with some PGM operations in South Africa, which have recently grappled with severe issues such as load-shedding and community unrest.

As a key asset within the Valterra Platinum portfolio and a major contributor to Zimbabwe’s foreign exchange earnings, Unki’s consistent performance remains vital. The mine’s ability to navigate geological variations demonstrates strong management and technical planning. This operational resilience is crucial as the global PGM market adapts to evolving demand dynamics, particularly the long-term transition towards electric vehicles, which impacts the traditional autocatalyst sector.

Unki’s output continues to anchor the Zimbabwean mining sector, reinforcing the country’s position as a significant player in the global platinum market.

All Is Set for MVSZ Symposium with Focus on Optimising Mine Ventilation

Mining
-
0
All Is Set for MVSZ Symposium with Focus on Optimising Mine Ventilation

All is set for the Mine Ventilation Society of Zimbabwe (MVSZ) Annual General Meeting and Symposium, which kicks off tomorrow, October 30, in Bulawayo, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

The two-day event will bring together mining professionals, regulators, engineers, suppliers, and academics to discuss the latest developments in underground mine ventilation and worker safety.

The symposium, running under the theme “Optimising Ventilation Systems for Operational Excellence,” aims to provide a practical and forward-looking platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing innovations, and discussing strategies to improve air quality and operational efficiency in Zimbabwe’s increasingly mechanised and deeper mining operations.

MVSZ President Dr. Tonderai Chikande told Mining Zimbabwe that delegates can expect a comprehensive programme that reflects the evolving complexity of mine ventilation.

“Delegates can expect case studies on airflow modelling and hybrid ventilation systems, strategies for controlling diesel particulate matter, silica exposure mitigation, thermal stress management, and discussions on regulatory reform and occupational hygiene. Beyond the technical insights, the conference promotes collaboration across regulators, engineers, suppliers, and academia,” he said.

Ventilation is no longer just a compliance requirement. As mines go deeper and adopt more mechanised operations, effective air management has become a critical enabler of safety, productivity, and sustainability. The symposium will explore how intelligent ventilation planning, real-time monitoring, and energy-efficient systems can be integrated into mine design from the outset, ensuring that workers remain safe and operations run efficiently.

The event will also provide an opportunity to benchmark Zimbabwean practices against regional and global standards. Lessons from countries like South Africa, which regularly update their ventilation frameworks to keep pace with modern mining technology, will be highlighted, providing delegates with actionable insights to improve local operations.

With delegates from across the sector, the MVSZ AGM and Symposium is set to be a landmark event for Zimbabwe’s mining industry. Participants will leave with practical solutions, stronger collaborative networks, and strategies to implement advanced ventilation systems that elevate safety and operational performance across the board.

By combining innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, the symposium underscores the Mine Ventilation Society’s commitment to making ventilation a cornerstone of modern, safe, and sustainable mining in Zimbabwe.

How Mine Achieves Over 1 Million Fatality-Free Shifts

Mining
-
0
How Mine Achieves Over 1 Million Fatality-Free Shifts

Nasdaq-listed mining company Namib Minerals’ How Mine in Bulawayo achieved a significant operational milestone this week, surpassing 1 million fatality-free shifts, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The landmark achievement provides a strong indicator of the company’s commitment to safety standards at its flagship Zimbabwean gold operation—a critical factor for investors focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.

The milestone comes just months after Namib Minerals (NAMM) completed its business combination with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) and listed on the Nasdaq in June 2025, positioning itself as a leading African gold producer. Maintaining an exemplary safety record is paramount as the company navigates the complexities of global capital markets and executes its expansion plans.

Safety performance, often measured by metrics like the Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) and fatality-free shifts, directly influences operational efficiency and investor confidence. The success at How Mine, which has produced approximately 1.82 million ounces of gold since 1941, highlights the successful implementation of rigorous safety protocols and management oversight.

While celebrating the safety achievement, Namib Minerals is simultaneously advancing its growth strategy. The company is currently progressing comprehensive feasibility studies for its Redwing and Mazowe gold assets in Zimbabwe, aiming to bring these properties into production.

Maintaining high safety standards while accelerating development is essential for Namib as it seeks to meet production targets and deliver shareholder value in a robust global gold market.

The emphasis on “Zero Harm” is a key part of the company’s narrative as it seeks to attract long-term investment into its Southern African portfolio.

Canada Backs Mercury-Free Gold Drive Through Planet Gold Zimbabwe

Mining
-
0
Canada Backs Mercury-Free Gold Drive Through Planet Gold Zimbabwe

Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASM) sector, pledging continued backing for initiatives that aim to eliminate mercury use through the Planet Gold Zimbabwe programme, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This commitment was highlighted during the Planet Gold Zimbabwe Inaugural Stakeholder Conference in Harare, which brought together government officials, development partners, and artisanal miners from across the country.

The conference focused on strategies to promote mercury-free technologies and strengthen environmental and social standards in the gold sector, providing a platform for collaboration between government, civil society, and the mining community.

Speaking at the event, Canada’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Adler Aristilde, said responsible and sustainable natural resource management is key to addressing challenges that span peace, security, and economic growth.

“Responsible and sustainable natural resource management is key to so many issues, from peace and security to economic growth and development. It is vital in ensuring that the benefits of mining reach local communities and that the environment, climate, and human rights are safeguarded,” said Aristilde.

Aristilde further noted that Canada remains deeply committed to advancing global standards in mining through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks. He explained that these principles underpin Canada’s development partnerships and guide its approach to working with resource-rich nations.

“Aligning mining practices with environmental, social, and governance objectives is a matter of significant interest to Canada. That is why Canada supports IMPACT and initiatives like this one. Planet Gold demonstrates the immense potential of clean technology in the gold mining sector, helping thousands of local miners make their practices more efficient, cleaner, more inclusive, and of course, reducing the use of mercury,” he added.

The ambassador also linked Canada’s support for Planet Gold to the country’s wider international climate finance strategy, through which Ottawa doubled its commitments to US$5.3 billion to help developing countries respond to the impacts of climate change.

The funding supports projects ranging from biodiversity conservation and renewable energy development to climate resilience across Africa.

Beyond environmental interventions, Canada has provided long-term support for initiatives that empower women in artisanal mining and promote traceable, responsible mineral supply chains. Such efforts, Aristilde said, reflect Canada’s broader commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable resource management.

The ambassador commended the strong presence of artisanal miners at the Harare gathering, describing them as essential partners in Zimbabwe’s journey toward sustainable mining. He said their growing participation in discussions around clean technologies and formalisation reflected a positive shift in the country’s small-scale mining landscape.

He further applauded the ongoing collaboration between Planet Gold Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, noting that their efforts were laying the groundwork for a more responsible and resilient gold sector.

Planet Gold Zimbabwe, launched in 2019, aims to cut mercury use by several tonnes over five years while promoting safer and more profitable methods for small-scale miners. This year, the programme selected 72 sites across the country where mercury-free gold-processing technologies will be tested beginning in 2026.

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 29 October 2025

Mining
-
0
Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 29 October 2025

Gold buying prices in Zimbabwe per gram/ ounce, 29 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 ABOVE119.963,734.56
SG 85% and above but below 90%118.693,695.21
SG 80% and above but below 85%117.423,655.86
SG 75% and above but below 80%116.153,616.51
Sample 5g and above but below 10g114.253,557.12
Fire Assay CASH120.593,752.31

 

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.

Mining Windfall Masks Fragile Recovery in Zimbabwe’s Economy

Mining
-
0
Mining Windfall Masks Fragile Recovery in Zimbabwe’s Economy

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a strong rebound for Zimbabwe’s economy in 2025, estimating growth of 6.0 per cent and a widening fiscal surplus by 2026. But behind the upbeat numbers lies an uneasy truth: the recovery is being fuelled mainly by short-term gains in mining and agriculture rather than lasting structural reforms, Mining Zimbabwe reports.

By Ryan Chigoche

In its October 2025 Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, the IMF presents Zimbabwe as a country on the mend, crediting higher mineral output—especially in gold and platinum—for much of the expected growth.

Analysts, however, describe the improvement as a cyclical bounce rather than a transformation, noting that the country is merely recovering from the drought-induced slowdown of 2024.

The Fund itself acknowledges that growth will likely moderate to 4.6 per cent in 2026, slightly above the Sub-Saharan average, showing the fragile base on which this optimism rests.

Mining remains Zimbabwe’s biggest foreign currency earner and a crucial contributor to exports.

Yet this dependence is also the economy’s greatest vulnerability. Any dip in global commodity prices or production disruptions could quickly unravel the projected rebound.

The recent 6.3 per cent plunge in gold prices, the sharpest since 2019, underscored how sensitive the country’s prospects are to market swings.

Analysts argue that without clear policies that promote investment stability, beneficiation, and transparent governance, mining will continue to provide only intermittent relief rather than sustainable growth.

The IMF expects inflation to fall sharply from 736.1 per cent in 2024 to 89 per cent in 2025, and further to 18.2 per cent the following year.

But even at that reduced level, prices would still rise far faster than the regional average, eroding profits for mining companies facing high local costs.

The Fund also commends Zimbabwe for an anticipated fiscal surplus of 3.1 per cent in 2025 and 4.4 per cent by 2026, but independent economists warn that the surplus is misleading.

It reflects unpaid domestic arrears and delayed payments to suppliers and contractors, including those serving the mining industry.

By postponing these obligations, the government reduces recorded expenditure but simultaneously strangles local business liquidity.

The same doubts extend to debt figures. The IMF predicts that the public debt-to-GDP ratio will decline from 73 per cent in 2024 to 41.6 per cent in 2026.

Yet this statistical improvement, critics note, results more from currency rebasing and inflation effects than from genuine repayment.

Zimbabwe remains in debt distress, burdened by arrears to the World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank—an obstacle that continues to block access to affordable credit.

Monetary conditions remain equally restrictive. Broad money supply is below 10 per cent of GDP, compared to an average of over 35 per cent across the region.

While this may suggest tight monetary discipline, it instead highlights how little liquidity circulates in local currency.

In a largely dollarised economy, most transactions bypass the formal financial system, leaving miners and other businesses struggling to secure local financing.

The current account surplus cited by the IMF offers some comfort, supported by gold, tobacco, and platinum exports alongside strong diaspora remittances.

However, Zimbabwe’s foreign reserves remain alarmingly low—less than one month of import cover against the recommended three months.

Without that buffer, any drop in global mineral prices or remittance inflows could quickly destabilise the economy again.

Although the IMF’s projections suggest optimism, Zimbabwe’s growth story remains largely a reflection of commodity price movements rather than homegrown reform.

The mining sector is carrying the recovery, but its gains are temporary and vulnerable to global shifts.

True stability will require credible fiscal management, settlement of domestic and foreign arrears, and policies that convert mineral wealth into lasting economic transformation.

For now, the economy’s rebound is not a sign of deep reform, but a familiar cycle—an upswing powered by ore and optimism, with fragility never far beneath the surface.

President Mnangagwa Declares War on Irresponsible Mining

Mining
-
0
President Mnangagwa Declares War on Irresponsible Mining

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to mining companies that disregard environmental laws, pledging that his government will not hesitate to weed out irresponsible operators from the sector, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, President Mnangagwa said that while Zimbabwe’s mining sector continues to attract massive investments in gold, lithium, iron, and steel production, environmental protection and community welfare remain non-negotiable.

“My Government is committed to weeding out irresponsible mining stakeholders who cause pollution, degradation of the environment, and damage to critical infrastructure,” said the President.

He emphasised that as the country welcomes both local and foreign investors, it expects them to operate responsibly and in line with Zimbabwe’s laws and traditional values.

“As we welcome investors in our jurisdiction, we expect that they will adhere to the Constitution and laws of our country, while also respecting our people, customs, and culture,” he added.

His call comes barely a month after his Deputy, Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, echoed the same sentiments at the latest edition of Mine Entra, where he emphasised that the country was “Open for Business, not for Extraction,” a stern warning to would-be offenders.

In Zimbabwe, while mining has immensely contributed to the economy through foreign currency earnings, it has also had negative social and environmental impacts on communities where resources are extracted. Recent reports indicate that, to date, more than 10,000 graves have been desecrated as mining activities encroach on burial sites and sacred lands, sparking outrage and calls for stronger protection of cultural heritage.

The President’s remarks come at a time when the government is tightening regulations in the extractive sector through the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, which he said has already been gazetted and is expected to be finalised during the current parliamentary session. The Bill seeks to modernise the legal framework governing mining, promote accountability, and ensure communities benefit from mineral wealth.

Mnangagwa also highlighted that the mining industry has seen significant growth, with new processing plants, independent power projects, and energy parks being commissioned to support value addition and beneficiation. These developments, he said, are contributing to job creation and GDP growth.

Mnangagwa’s comments reflect a growing recognition of the need to balance mining expansion with sustainable environmental practices. Zimbabwe has in recent years faced challenges with unregulated artisanal mining, river pollution, and deforestation linked to extractive activities.

By signalling a crackdown on “irresponsible” players, the government appears keen to project a new era of accountability in the mining sector — one that prioritises sustainable development alongside economic growth.

Zimbabwe Leads Africa in Reducing Mercury Use in Gold Processing

Mining
-
0
Zimbabwe Leads Africa in Reducing Mercury Use in Gold Processing

Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a continental leader in reducing mercury use in gold processing, having made notable progress toward eliminating the toxic substance from small-scale mining operations, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

This was revealed by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s Chief Government Mining Engineer (CGME), Michael Munodawafa, during the Planet Gold Zimbabwe Inaugural Annual Stakeholders Conference held in Harare.

Mercury has long been used by artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM) in Zimbabwe to extract gold from ore. However, the practice poses serious health risks to miners and nearby communities while contributing to widespread environmental pollution through soil and water contamination.

Recent studies estimate that Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector uses and releases over 24 tonnes of mercury annually, making it one of the largest sources of mercury pollution in the region. Nearly 96 percent of artisanal gold sites still rely on mercury for gold recovery, with some operations using up to 100 kilograms per month.

Recognizing this challenge, the government, in collaboration with Planet Gold Zimbabwe, launched a five-year project aimed at reducing mercury use by 4.85 tonnes through training, awareness campaigns, and the introduction of mercury-free gold processing technologies.

Speaking at the conference, Eng. Munodawafa highlighted that Zimbabwe is progressing well toward meeting and potentially surpassing its mercury reduction targets.

“We are also trying to eliminate the use of mercury, but I think we are moving in that direction fast. Soon we will be the flagship for Africa and for the world, because I think at our pace we are moving faster than most of the other countries that have been interacting with regard to the reduction in the use of mercury. But I think we can surpass our target—we will confirm the moment we start collecting proper statistics,” Munodawafa said.

Joanne Lebert, the Executive Director at IMPACT, echoed the same sentiments, adding that Zimbabwe’s Planet Gold Project could be used as a model for similar projects to be undertaken globally.

“I’m really very confident that we’ll exceed that target that was set. It’s always better to put the target a little lower and exceed it rather than put it too high and fall short. So, I really think Zimbabwe has the potential to go way beyond what the targets are of the project. I’m sure that together we can achieve and possibly exceed those targets, and that Planet Gold Zimbabwe can be a model for other Planet Golds and other initiatives globally,” she said.

At the same event, Planet Gold Zimbabwe launched its policy report titled “Strengthening the Mines and Minerals Bill: Advancing Reforms for the Benefit of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners.” One of the points related to the reduction of mercury is the phased formalization of the ASM sector.

Munodawafa emphasized that formalization not only improves environmental management but also strengthens economic accountability.

“The Ministry also recognizes the pivotal role being played by artisanal and small-scale miners in creating employment and improving the livelihoods of our local communities. It is therefore vital for us to continue to move from informality. Most of our artisanal miners have been operating informally, but we are aiming to move them, through the help of Planet Gold, into responsible, inclusive, and sustainable mining,” he said.

The formalization of artisanal and small-scale miners has become a key strategy in these efforts. By helping miners operate legally and responsibly, the government and Planet Gold Zimbabwe can better regulate mercury use, provide access to cleaner technologies, and ensure that gold production is traceable and sustainable.

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Planet Gold Zimbabwe is implemented by IMPACT in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.

Over its five-year period, the programme aims to reach 7,500 artisanal miners across 72 sites, promote safer working conditions, and enhance environmental stewardship across 76,000 hectares of mining areas affected by mercury use.

1...787980...716Page 79 of 716