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Australian Mine Fined Nearly A$1 Million Over Worker’s Death — Will Zimbabwe’s Mining Sector Ever Be Held to the Same Standard?

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Australian Mine Fined Nearly A$1 Million Over Worker’s Death — Will Zimbabwe’s Mining Sector Ever Be Held to the Same Standard?

An Australian mining company has been fined nearly A$1 million (approximately US$670,000) over the death of a 25-year-old underground mineworker—a clear example of corporate accountability that raises a pressing question for Zimbabwe: Will local mines, including small-scale operations, ever face public prosecution or meaningful financial penalties for fatal workplace incidents?

By Ryan Chigoche

In a country where over 200 mining deaths are recorded annually, and where small-scale and informal mining—often harder to regulate—accounts for the vast majority of fatalities, the question becomes even more urgent: will the arm of the law ever stretch far enough to preserve the value of life across the sector?

Australian gold miner Big Bell Gold was penalised over an incident that occurred in December 2020, when 25-year-old Paige Counsell was struck by a truck during a night shift at the company’s underground mine in Western Australia’s Murchison region. A Perth court this month found the company guilty of failing to provide a safe workplace and imposed a fine of A$945,000, plus an additional A$20,000 in legal costs.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Woods said there had been a failure of policy, process, and training, citing poor communication systems between vehicle operators and pedestrians underground. She also flagged inadequate designated safe zones and a lack of specific training as key gaps that contributed to the tragedy.

Though the company expressed remorse and has since erected a stone memorial at the mine, the most significant outcome of the case was the successful public prosecution and financial penalty.

The prosecution, brought by the Department of Mines in 2023 with support from WorkSafe WA, was a strong statement that mining safety breaches—even if not directly responsible for a fatality—would face serious legal consequences.

In Zimbabwe, such outcomes remain virtually unheard of

Despite decades of deadly accidents, few—if any—mining companies have ever been fined publicly over workplace deaths. Investigations into fatal incidents are typically conducted by the Ministry of Mines Inspectorate or the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), but these seldom translate into court proceedings or monetary penalties. Instead, compensation is often handled quietly between employers and the families of deceased workers.

According to NSSA, Zimbabwe’s mining sector is contributing an average of 200 workplace deaths annually. In 2023 alone, 237 miners lost their lives—a number that drew national attention but no corresponding criminal or financial accountability from companies.

While 2024 saw a 33% reduction in deaths, with the Chamber of Mines reporting 143 fatal accidents resulting in 186 deaths, the figures still reveal worrying trends. Small-scale and illegal operations accounted for 90% of the accidents and 87% of fatalities. Large-scale mines, although better equipped, were responsible for 10% of accidents and 13% of deaths.

And the trend continues into 2025. In the first quarter alone, 42 fatal accidents were reported in the mining sector, resulting in 53 fatalities. Three of these incidents involved large-scale mines, again underscoring the disproportionate risks in informal mining but also raising concerns about whether safety compliance is truly being enforced—even among better-resourced players.

The contrast with Australia is stark. There, the legal system holds companies to account with a clear mandate: if a worker dies and procedures are lacking, someone must answer. In Zimbabwe, even as the mining industry remains a key pillar of the economy, the loss of life rarely leads to consequences beyond the mine fence.

Until laws are enforced, prosecutions initiated, and fines issued in open court, Zimbabwe’s mining sector—particularly its small-scale and artisanal segment—will remain a zone where human life is undervalued and justice seldom delivered.

A Systemic Gap With Human Costs

The Big Bell case exemplifies what happens when a functional legal system treats a mining fatality not merely as an accident, but as a breach of duty. The resulting fine and legal process send a clear message to the industry: safety is not optional.

In Zimbabwe, the lack of consequences has allowed preventable accidents to become routine. While the numbers fluctuate year to year, the structural problem remains unchanged: enforcement is weak, accountability is rare, and justice for victims is often elusive.

Unless the legal and regulatory environment evolves to prioritise occupational safety and demand corporate responsibility, Zimbabwe’s mines will continue to see lives lost with little more than informal compensation to show for it.

Anglo American’s Reorganisation Gains Momentum as Core Assets Deliver in Q2

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Anglo American’s Reorganisation Gains Momentum as Core Assets Deliver in Q2

Anglo American is accelerating its sweeping portfolio reorganisation and streamlining programme, with CEO Duncan Wanblad declaring the company firmly on track to become a leaner, higher-margin business.

By Ryan Chigoche

The second-quarter performance, released this week, offered a snapshot of that transition, showcasing strong contributions from core commodities like copper, iron ore, and manganese, even as diamond, steelmaking coal, and PGM output continued to lag.

The diversified miner is working through a series of strategic shifts, including the completed demerger of Valterra Platinum, the ongoing sale of its nickel assets, and a formal process to divest De Beers. These moves are central to Anglo’s ambition to concentrate on fewer, high-performing assets and unlock greater long-term value.

In the company’s Q2 trading update, CEO Duncan Wanblad said Anglo is making meaningful progress on portfolio simplification and cost optimisation while ensuring delivery across its core operations. He expressed optimism that the business is well-positioned to emerge from this transition stronger and more profitable.

“We continue to progress with our portfolio simplification as we reshape our business for the longer term, and our reorganisation and cost reduction programmes are on track. The demerger of Valterra Platinum at the end of May has been a great success with considerable value unlocked for shareholders, and we are continuing to progress the nickel and steelmaking coal transactions. A formal process for the sale of De Beers is advancing, despite the current challenging market conditions,” said Wanblad.

“Looking beyond this transitional year, we will emerge as a highly differentiated, higher-margin, and more cash-generative business, setting us up to deliver the outstanding potential of our world-class assets and resource endowments.”

That forward-looking confidence was partly underpinned by a solid Q2 2025 showing from Anglo’s remaining core assets. Manganese ore production posted the sharpest increase, rising 109% to 745,600 tonnes, after Australian operations resumed following cyclone damage earlier in 2024. Export volumes recovered from mid-May, supporting the surge in output.

Copper production rose 3% quarter-on-quarter to 173,300 tonnes, driven by improved performance at Collahuasi in Chile—up 36% due to better water supply and plant efficiency—and continued stability at Quellaveco in Peru, which produced 76,700 tonnes despite slightly lower grades. Chilean copper output overall climbed to 96,600 tonnes, up 9% from Q1, though production at Los Bronces fell by 15% on lower throughput. Anglo noted that the Donoso 2 phase at Los Bronces remains on track for completion by early 2027.

Iron ore output also grew 3% to 15.9 million tonnes, with Minas-Rio in Brazil contributing 6.7 million tonnes, and Kumba Iron Ore producing 9.3 million tonnes. The increase was supported by improved plant efficiency at Minas-Rio and higher volumes at Kolomela, which offset maintenance-related declines at Sishen.

However, several non-core or exiting businesses recorded declines. Rough diamond production fell 32% from the previous quarter to 4.1 million carats, reflecting reduced activity in response to continued weak demand. Steelmaking coal production dropped 8% to 2.1 million tonnes, impacted by the ongoing suspension of Grosvenor and the March incident at Moranbah. Higher volumes from Aquila and Capcoal partially cushioned the decline.

Nickel output slipped 3% to 9,500 tonnes as operations processed lower-grade ore. Anglo American said it expects the sale of its nickel business to MMG Singapore Resources to be completed following regulatory approvals.

PGM production declined sharply during the quarter, but those numbers have now been separated from Anglo’s continuing operations following the demerger of Valterra Platinum in May.

On the cost side, Anglo maintained production and unit cost guidance for copper and iron ore. In copper, regional cost adjustments were made: lower unit costs were reported in Peru, supported by higher by-product credits and lower charges, while costs in Chile rose due to changes in the production mix. Overall copper unit cost guidance remains unchanged.

As the company works through what Wanblad has called a “transitionary year,” the focus is firmly on unlocking value through a simplified structure and disciplined capital allocation.

The Q2 results suggest that Anglo’s core assets are holding firm even as market pressures weigh on segments the group is already preparing to exit.

Is Zimbabwe Not Ready for a Nationwide Geophysical Survey?

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Is Zimbabwe Not Ready for a Nationwide Geophysical Survey?

Despite the surging global demand for critical minerals spurred by the green energy revolution, Zimbabwe continues to lag behind regional counterparts in deploying modern geological mapping systems essential for investment attraction.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

In stark contrast, neighbouring Zambia has already embarked on a US$100 million nationwide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey to bolster exploration, transparency, and economic governance of its mineral wealth.

In July 2024, Zambia officially launched its ambitious project in collaboration with global smart mapping giant Xcalibur. The survey covers all ten provinces, utilising advanced technologies including airborne magnetics, radiometrics, and gravity gradiometry offering subsurface imaging to depths of several kilometres. The data is expected to reach 70% completion by the end of 2025.

Zambia’s Ministry of Mines integrated the aerial data into its cadastre system at inception—pre-zoning mineral claims, reducing disputes, and increasing investor confidence through early access to validated geological data. Beyond just data acquisition, Zambia has emphasised robust quality control, centralised data governance, and transparent public access. Skills transfer has also been prioritised to empower local professionals in geophysics, data processing, and mapping technologies.

Asked whether Zimbabwe is considering a similar model, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Dr. Polite Kambamura, replied briefly: “Soon we will be starting ours.”

While this signals intent, it raises more questions than it answers. Zimbabwe, a country with one of Africa’s most diversified mineral portfolios—platinum, lithium, gold, and rare earths—has yet to communicate a clear timeline or structure for a nationwide survey.

Interestingly, Zimbabwe is not without capacity. Local geophysical company AeroSurveys Airborne Mineral Exploration (Aerosurveys), a leading provider of airborne and ground geophysical surveys, already offers world-class solutions including aeromagnetic, electromagnetic, and radiometric surveys. With proven experience across Africa and access to advanced sensor technology, AeroSurveys could play a pivotal role if Zimbabwe were to finally launch its own nationwide mapping initiative.

The current system still relies heavily on manual pegging, outdated paper maps, and underfunded survey departments at the provincial level. In a time where data is the new gold, this approach is increasingly incompatible with a US$40 billion mining industry ambition. Integrating modern geospatial data with the Mining Cadastre System would de-risk investments, enhance claim validations, and build investor trust.

If Zambia—formerly less aggressive in mineral exploration—can attract hundreds of millions in exploration investment through geophysical openness and technology, Zimbabwe should not be left behind. As other nations digitise and map their wealth from the sky, Zimbabwe must decide: will it lead in resource intelligence or continue to walk blind into a high-stakes exploration era?

With local firms like Aerosurveys on standby and political will seemingly present, the question remains: Is Zimbabwe not ready—or simply waiting too long—to take off?

Botswana Pushes for Control of De Beers as Anglo Exit Looms

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Botswana Pushes for Control of De Beers as Anglo Exit Looms

As the global diamond industry navigates a downturn marked by falling demand and rising competition from lab-grown stones, Botswana is making bold moves to secure its stake in the diamond value chain. The country has declared its interest in taking a controlling stake in De Beers, potentially shifting the future of the world’s most recognisable diamond company—and raising serious questions about the balance of power between resource-rich African countries and global mining giants.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Botswana’s new president, Duma Boko, is pushing for full control of De Beers’ operations, marketing, and profits, challenging parent company Anglo American, which is currently preparing to offload its 85% shareholding in the iconic diamond producer.

Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, made it clear that the country would not stand by as decisions affecting its most valuable natural resource are made without its input. “President Boko remains resolute in his quest to increase Botswana’s stake in De Beers to ensure Botswana’s full control over this strategic national asset and the entire value chain, including marketing,” Kenewendo said.

This comes after President Boko recently remarked that De Beers was not selling enough diamonds, suggesting that perhaps Botswana should “take over and sell them ourselves.” The remarks have added pressure to an already delicate sale process for Anglo, which faces a deadline in early August to receive formal bids from prospective buyers.

De Beers sources approximately 70% of its total diamond production from Botswana, through the Debswana joint venture, of which Botswana already owns 50%. The government also holds a 15% direct stake in De Beers, while Anglo owns the majority share. Without Botswana’s cooperation, the sale of De Beers becomes practically unviable.

Kenewendo warned that “any sale of the company without our support will be difficult to achieve,” accusing Anglo of failing to involve the government in a transparent or coordinated manner.

The timing of Botswana’s aggressive stance could not be more crucial. Anglo is under pressure to complete its restructuring before year-end, following a rejected £39 billion takeover bid by BHP in 2023. The mining giant is now pursuing a “dual-track” approach—seeking a direct buyer for De Beers or listing it publicly if no satisfactory bids are received.

However, the diamond market is currently facing significant headwinds. Consumer demand has declined in key markets like China, and synthetic diamonds have carved a strong niche. De Beers is reportedly sitting on its largest stockpile since the global financial crisis, making any sale more complex.

The big question now is whether Botswana can raise the capital needed to buy a larger stake—or even take full ownership—of De Beers. While Minister Kenewendo said “financing is not an issue,” analysts remain sceptical. Botswana’s budget deficit is expected to widen to 7.5% by 2026, and although it enjoys an investment-grade credit rating, it lacks experience raising money on international bond markets. The country recently secured a US$300 million loan from the African Development Bank, largely to deal with fiscal shortfalls.

Still, Botswana’s leadership insists that ownership and control over diamonds is non-negotiable. And rightly so—diamonds account for over two-thirds of Botswana’s export earnings.

From a Zimbabwean perspective, Botswana’s push for resource sovereignty offers a timely case study. As Zimbabwe continues to restructure its own diamond sector through entities like ZCDC and promote local beneficiation, the question of who controls the value chain—from mine to market—remains critical.

Botswana is making it clear: Africa is no longer just a source of raw minerals. It wants to control the trade, influence pricing, and capture more of the value. Whether Botswana achieves full ownership or not, this moment signals a continental shift in resource governance—one that Zimbabwean policymakers and miners should follow closely.

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 25 July 2025

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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 25 July 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 25 July 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$102.26/g.
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$101.18/g.
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$100.09/g.
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$99.01/g.
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$97.39/g.

Fire Assay CASH $102.80/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.

Chamber Urges Govt to Let Miners Exit ZESA for Cheaper IEUG Power

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Chamber Urges Govt to Let Miners Exit ZESA for Cheaper IEUG Power

The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe is urging the government to release miners from ZESA power supply contracts. This would allow them to join the Intensive Energy Users Group (IEUG), as current tariffs remain too high for the mining sector.

By Ryan Chigoche

Since last year, the Chamber has raised concerns about rising electricity tariffs. Mining companies have seen rates jump over 44%, from US$0.0986 per KWh in 2022 to US$0.1421 per KWh in 2024.

This increase has put a lot of pressure on mining operations.

The situation is worse for energy-heavy industries like ferrochrome production, where electricity makes up about 50% of total costs.

At the same time, prices for key minerals have dropped sharply in the past two years. This combination has made many mines unprofitable, with some struggling just to break even.

In its report for the quarter ended April 2025, the Chamber repeated its call for miners to be freed from ZESA contracts. This would give them access to cheaper electricity options, such as through IEUG.

“The electricity tariff for mining companies remained high and unsustainable, impacting negatively on viability. Meanwhile, the Chamber has sought Government’s intervention in ensuring that ZESA releases mining companies from power supply contracts to allow them to access cheaper alternative power from platforms such as IEUG. Government has committed to assist on this matter and the Chamber will follow up on this matter.”

The Intensive Energy Users Group (IEUG) is made up of the country’s largest electricity consumers. These come mainly from the mining, manufacturing, and heavy industry sectors.

IEUG was created to give these users a united voice when dealing with utilities like ZETDC and regulators such as ZERA. The group pushes for stable, cost-reflective tariffs and reliable power supply.

For mining companies that depend on constant electricity, joining IEUG offers several advantages.

These include priority access during load-shedding, collective tariff negotiations, and a chance to influence energy policy. Members also work together on energy projects like solar power and wheeling, where a company’s self-generated power is sent through the national grid for use elsewhere.

However, companies still tied to ZESA supply contracts cannot join IEUG. Membership requires independent power procurement, such as buying from independent power producers or using embedded generation.

Companies must also have the necessary infrastructure, like dedicated feeder lines and smart meters.

Global Coal Demand to Remain Stable Through 2025 and 2026

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Global Coal Demand to Remain Stable Through 2025 and 2026

Global coal demand is expected to remain relatively stable over the next two years, despite notable shifts in major markets during the first half of 2025, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest Coal Mid-Year report.

By Ryan Chigoche

The report shows that coal use worldwide reached a record high of approximately 8.8 billion tonnes in 2024 — a 1.5% increase from the previous year.

This was largely driven by increased consumption in China, India, Indonesia, and other emerging economies, which more than offset declines recorded in advanced economies such as Europe, North America, and Northeast Asia.

However, some of these dynamics shifted in early 2025. In China and India, coal demand softened, largely due to slower growth in electricity consumption and a surge in renewable energy generation.

In contrast, coal use in the United States surged by around 10%, as robust electricity demand and higher natural gas prices drove a renewed reliance on coal-fired power. Meanwhile, demand in the European Union remained broadly flat, with declining industrial use offset by a rebound in coal-fired electricity generation.

Despite these regional fluctuations, the IEA notes that the structural factors underpinning global coal consumption remain largely unchanged.

As such, it projects a slight increase in global coal demand in 2025, followed by a modest decline in 2026 — bringing overall usage just below the 2024 peak.

This outlook is consistent with the IEA’s Coal 2024 report published last December, though updated figures reflect weaker global economic growth and a renewed policy shift in the United States favouring coal.

Looking at regional forecasts, coal demand in China is expected to decline slightly in 2025 — by less than 1%. In contrast, the United States is forecast to see a 7% increase, while the European Union is projected to record a nearly 2% decline.

“While we have seen contrasting trends in different regions in the first half of 2025, these do not alter the underlying trajectory of global coal demand,” said IEA Director of Energy Markets and Security Keisuke Sadamori.

“We expect the world’s coal consumption to remain broadly flat this year and next, in line with our previous forecast, although short-term fluctuations remain possible in different regions due to weather conditions and the high degree of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. As in past years, global coal trends continue to be shaped overwhelmingly by China, which consumes almost 30% more coal than the rest of the world combined,” Sadamori added.

The report highlights that electricity generation continues to be the primary driver of coal demand globally, particularly in China. However, the industrial sector — especially steel and chemicals — also plays a substantial role in shaping coal use patterns.

Global coal production is projected to reach a new record in 2025, underpinned by continued output growth in China and India as both countries prioritise energy security. However, a slowdown is anticipated in 2026, as rising stockpiles and weakening prices begin to suppress supply.

On the trade front, coal shipments — which have steadily increased in recent years — are expected to contract in 2025 for the first time since the COVID-19 downturn in 2020. A further decline is forecast in 2026, marking the first consecutive two-year drop in global coal trade volumes this century, according to the IEA.

Oversupply has already begun to weigh heavily on prices, which have fallen back to levels last seen in early 2021. This price pressure is squeezing producers across the board.

Indonesia is expected to post the largest drop in output by volume in 2025, while Russian exporters face the most acute economic challenges due to prevailing market conditions.

Zimplats Smelter Expansion to Propel Zimbabwe to Global PGM Leadership – Mnangagwa

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Zimplats Smelter Expansion to Propel Zimbabwe to Global PGM Leadership – Mnangagwa

Zimbabwe is poised to become a global leader in the Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) market, following the successful commissioning of the expanded Zimplats smelter.

By Ryan Chigoche

President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed optimism that the enhanced capacity will not only position the country as a regional hub for PGM processing but also elevate it to the forefront of the global market.

The President made the remarks on July 23, 2025, during the official commissioning ceremony of the Zimplats Smelter Expansion Project and Phase 1A of the 35MW Solar Plant, held at the Selous Metallurgical Complex.

This event marked a major milestone in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on October 18, 2021, between the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats).

The MOU outlines a roadmap for the sustainable development of integrated PGM projects under Zimplats’ ambitious US$1.8 billion expansion programme.

The smelter expansion and Phase 1 SO₂ Abatement Project represent a US$398 million investment that commenced in December 2021. Remarkably, the project was completed within just 36 months.

Speaking at the launch, President Mnangagwa said:

“This expansion will ensure that Zimbabwe becomes a leader in the global platinum market, as Zimplats has created capacity to toll refine concentrates from third parties. Increasing smelting capacity to over one million ounces of all six elements of the Platinum Group Metals (platinum, palladium, gold, rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium) in converter matte per annum is a significant boost to our value addition efforts in the platinum group metals sector. This increased capacity has the potential to transform Zimbabwe into a regional hub for platinum processing, creating jobs and stimulating downstream industries. I am particularly pleased to note that the expanded smelter has the capacity to accommodate other platinum group metal producers in the country.”

The project saw Hatch serving as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) contractor. A state-of-the-art 38MW furnace was constructed, tripling Zimplats’ smelting capacity to 380,000 tonnes of concentrate per annum—equivalent to 1.09 million ounces of 6E metals.

The scale of the project is staggering: it spans an area the size of 12 football fields and involved thousands of tonnes of materials and hundreds of kilometres of cabling, all brought together to establish a world-class metallurgical facility.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Winston Chitando praised the plant’s technological advancement and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting sustainable mining operations.

“It is not just the scale that impresses; it is the technological sophistication. From the 6-inline rectangular furnace to the integrated furnace feed controller, digital twinning for managing aisle logistics, flash drying, Pierce-Smith converting, and advanced PLC and SCADA control systems, Zimplats has embraced innovation to achieve unparalleled efficiency and productivity.”

“As Minister of Mines and Mining Development, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment and sustainable growth. We will continue to support initiatives that promote sustainable mining practices, job creation, and community development,” Chitando added.

In addition to the smelter, the President also commissioned the first phase of Zimplats’ 185MW solar power project on the same day — a bold step toward reducing the mine’s carbon footprint and ensuring energy self-sufficiency.

The 35MW Phase 1A plant, now operational, is part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.

Zimplats was widely praised for the dual achievements, which demonstrate not only its engineering excellence but also its alignment with Zimbabwe’s broader beneficiation and energy transition goals.

Together, the smelter expansion and solar plant underscore the strength of public-private partnerships in unlocking value from the country’s vast mineral wealth — while laying the groundwork for long-term economic transformation.

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 24 July 2025

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Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 24 July 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 24 July 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$103.71/g.
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$102.61/g.
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$101.51/g.
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$100.41/g.
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$98.77/g.

Fire Assay CASH $104.26/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.

US-China Critical Minerals Tug-of-War Sets Stage for Rare Earth Revival and Deep-Sea Mining Race

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US-China Critical Minerals Tug-of-War Sets Stage for Rare Earth Revival and Deep-Sea Mining Race

In the fierce rivalry between two of the world’s biggest superpowers, the next battleground isn’t land, oil, or even cyberspace — it’s the critical minerals hidden beneath our feet and scattered across the ocean floor. As the United States and China intensify their scramble for strategic resources, rare earths and deep-sea deposits have emerged as the new frontiers of global economic power.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

And as the race accelerates, the rest of the world, including Africa, must carefully watch, understand, and respond to the implications.

This is not just about minerals — it’s about magnets, machines, and the materials that define modern life. It’s about who will control the engines of clean energy, who will build the next generation of electric vehicles, and who will dictate the standards for sustainable extraction in a world that’s desperate to go green, but ill-prepared for the politics of how.

For decades, China has enjoyed a near-monopoly in the rare earth supply chain, refining roughly 90 percent of the world’s output. These are the elements powering everything from wind turbines to fighter jets. And as the clean energy transition accelerates globally, demand is exploding.

But in a dramatic shift, the United States is reasserting itself, driven by growing fears over Chinese dominance. Recent developments in Washington, notably under the Trump administration and beyond, have reignited interest in domestic production, strategic reserves, and controversial ventures such as deep-sea mining. A bold and contentious executive order from Trump cleared the way for American companies to mine the seabed without waiting for global consensus — effectively challenging long-standing international norms governed by the United Nations.

This unilateral move raised eyebrows from all corners of the globe. Environmental scientists and marine biologists warned of irreversible damage to unexplored ecosystems, while Chinese delegates at the International Seabed Authority quickly condemned the decision as a destabilising act of resource nationalism. But for companies like The Metals Company — an ambitious startup with its eyes on the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone — Trump’s directive was an open invitation to stake a claim on polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese. These are the same metals the world needs to build batteries, wind farms, and the infrastructure of the future.

The irony is thick. In the name of fighting climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, nations are preparing to dig into one of the planet’s last untouched environments. All the while, terrestrial sources of rare earths are being rediscovered, revived, and in some cases, reinvested in — driven largely by escalating demand and the geopolitical need to diversify supply chains away from China.

A recent surge in U.S. rare earth stocks marks a watershed moment. For the first time, a U.S. company focused on rare earths cracked the Top 50 list of the world’s most valuable mining companies. Meanwhile, Apple signed a $500 million deal to source its rare earth magnets domestically — another clear signal that America is serious about reducing its exposure to Chinese-dominated refining capacity.

Across the Pacific, China hasn’t slowed down. If anything, it’s expanding its dominance. According to Mining.com, rare earth magnet exports from China soared 158% following a temporary easing of trade tensions. Beijing has invested billions in refining technology and magnet production, and with demand set to triple over the next decade — thanks to electric vehicles and offshore wind — the stakes have never been higher.

Zimbabwe and other African countries sit on the sidelines of this unfolding geopolitical drama, rich in potential but lacking the infrastructure and capital to leverage their mineral wealth strategically. As the world scrambles for lithium, rare earths, and clean-tech minerals, Africa must decide whether it wants to be a passive supplier of raw material or an active player shaping how, where, and by whom value is added.

The current U.S.-China rivalry offers both opportunity and risk for resource-rich but capacity-constrained nations. On one hand, it opens the door for new partnerships, financing, and technology transfer. On the other, it may deepen dependencies, where African countries become battlegrounds for mineral influence without ever dictating the rules.

The question Zimbabwe and the continent must grapple with is whether we can formulate policies that ensure our resources support our own green industrialisation — or whether we will once again watch others build empires on the back of our minerals. Rare earths and deep-sea treasures are not just commodities — they are the raw DNA of the energy transition. Whoever controls them controls the pace and direction of the future.

In this new era of critical mineral competition, the stakes are planetary. It’s not simply about how much nickel or cobalt you have. It’s about your ability to refine it, regulate it, and reap the economic and social dividends from its use. And while the U.S. and China battle it out on the frontlines, the real opportunity may lie with those who can find a middle path — one that values sovereignty, sustainability, and long-term benefit over short-term extraction.

As Washington digs deeper and Beijing expands faster, Zimbabwe must ask itself: are we preparing to play in this global mineral game — or are we content to be spectators once more?

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