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The energy at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo is undeniably electric. Mine Entra 2025 has truly arrived as an international-calibre event—a vibrant tapestry of innovation, powerful machinery, and promising deals, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

From the stunning stands of industry giants like Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) Holdings to the buzz of international partnerships, the event is a resounding testament to the strength and ambition of Zimbabwe’s mining sector. The optimism is palpable, the conversations are forward-thinking, and the future of mining is being proudly displayed on the exhibition floor.

Yet, amidst this celebration of progress, a crucial community within the mining ecosystem found itself walking the halls with a growing sense of confusion and disappointment: the nation’s mine surveyors.

This year, MineEntra should have been their triumphant showcase. Fresh off a transformative new mandate from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, which requires all mining titles to be mapped using precise survey-grade coordinates, surveyors arrived in Bulawayo ready for business. They came not just as spectators, but as empowered professionals at the heart of a new, data-driven era for mining. They arrived, in their own words, “hoping to find a pool of solutions, only to find a single, disappointing drop.”

The sentiment on the ground was one of a massive missed opportunity. “We were left wondering why they would not show themselves here,” one surveyor commented, echoing a widespread feeling. “This is the premier mining event. Every mining company, every potential client, is here. We have a new, urgent need for the most advanced GPS, drones, and software—and the very providers who should be selling to us are absent.”

The strategic loss is twofold. For the survey equipment and services providers, their absence from MineEntra represents a staggering commercial miscalculation. They have missed a golden opportunity to position themselves as essential partners in this new regulatory landscape. At a time when surveyors are actively seeking reliable partners for high-precision tools, the exhibition floor lacked the very companies that could fulfil this urgent demand. They had a captive, motivated audience—and chose not to engage.

For the surveyors themselves, the absence was a practical setback. “We came to see, touch, and compare the latest technology,” another surveyor explained. “We wanted to have face-to-face conversations with technical experts, to understand which system best suits our new responsibilities. Instead, we are left to rely on brochures and websites, which are no substitute for a live demonstration at the country’s biggest mining expo.”

The message from MineEntra 2025 is powerful and clear: the Zimbabwean mining industry is charging full speed ahead. The ambition is international, the vision is sustainable, and the commitment is undeniable. The event has successfully showcased the sector’s massive potential.

But this year’s event also highlights a critical gap in the supply chain. As the industry evolves with policies that demand higher precision and better data, the supporting industries must evolve with it. They must be present in the rooms—and on the exhibition floors—where the future is being built.

The resounding success of MineEntra makes the absence of the survey technology sector all the more conspicuous. One can only hope that by MineEntra 2026, these vital partners will recognize that to be part of Zimbabwe’s mining journey, you must first show up.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Zimbabwe’s economy will rebound to 6 percent growth this year, but warns that the recovery, powered by record-high gold prices, is shielding the nation from its unresolved and deep-seated structural problems, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

In its concluding statement for the 2025 Article IV consultation, the IMF confirmed that the growth surge is being driven by “better climate conditions and record high gold prices,” which have boosted mining activity and strengthened the country’s current account .

However, this golden lifeline offers only a temporary reprieve. The IMF Executive Board highlighted that intense fiscal pressures, critically low foreign reserves, and persistent parallel market exchange rate gaps continue to pose severe threats to medium-term stability .

“The growth is welcome, but it is growing on a weak foundation,” a Harare-based economic analyst noted. “The IMF is essentially saying that without fundamental reforms, this gold boom will only provide a short-term shield, not long-term health.”

The report underscores the mining sector’s dual role as both Zimbabwe’s economic engine and a reflector of its vulnerabilities. While gold has surged, the IMF also noted that declining prices for other key metal exports previously weighed on growth, revealing an over-reliance on a narrow range of volatile commodities .

The fund’s directors emphasized that “a tighter fiscal stance is needed,” urging authorities to rein in spending and rationalize tax incentives to build on the recent stability achieved through tighter monetary policy. They also stressed that accelerating governance reforms is critical to building investor confidence .

For Zimbabwe’s miners, the IMF assessment translates to a period of both opportunity and risk. The high gold price creates a profitable environment, but the underlying macroeconomic weaknesses—including currency instability and policy uncertainty—remain a direct challenge to sustainable expansion and investment.

The challenge for the government will be to leverage this period of high mineral revenue to implement the very reforms that can secure the economy’s future once the gold price shield inevitably weakens.

The Delicate Balance of Stability and Risk

Zimbabwe is currently “experiencing a degree of macroeconomic stability,” a hard-won achievement after recent periods of significant volatility . This stability is attributed directly to tighter policies, including the halting of quasi-fiscal operations and monetary financing by the central bank, which have helped reduce inflation and exchange rate pressures .

The introduction of the ZiG currency in April 2024 was a cornerstone of this effort. However, its path has been rocky. The IMF reports that between the ZiG’s introduction and September 2024, the ZiG monetary base increased by a staggering 215 percent, leading to an overnight drop in the currency’s value . In response, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) halted monetary financing, increased statutory reserve requirements, and raised the policy rate. These actions have since narrowed the premium between the official Willing-Buyer-Willing-Seller (WBWS) rate and the parallel market, bringing monthly ZiG inflation down to 0.3 percent by June 2025 .

Despite this progress, the IMF points to a persistent and concerning gap between the official and parallel exchange rates, indicating that confidence in the local currency is still fragile . This gap, along with a highly dollarized monetary system and low reserve buffers, forms a triad of vulnerabilities that could quickly undermine the current stability .

The Fiscal Conundrum: Spending Pressures and Mounting Debts

While the mining sector boosts national revenues, the government’s fiscal position remains precarious. The IMF notes that fiscal financing pressures have intensified despite higher revenues, as net external financing turned negative and spending needs increased .

The revenue improvements, achieved through measures like a reduction in VAT tax reliefs, increased fees and levies, and steps to reduce smuggling, have been overshadowed by rising expenditures . Key spending pressures include:

1)Higher public sector wages

2)Increased capital outlays

3)Servicing debt taken over by the Treasury from the RBZ

4)Servicing liabilities related to the acquisition of assets for the Mutapa Investment Fund

This squeeze led to the accumulation of nearly US$600 million of domestic expenditure arrears in 2024 alone, with the deficit financed by T-bill issuance and direct borrowing from the central bank’s overdraft facility . The IMF’s Executive Board has stressed that a tighter fiscal stance is “needed to close the fiscal financing gap, prevent further accumulation of domestic arrears, and preclude a return to monetary financing” . They recommend rationalizing tax incentives and reducing spending, particularly on the public compensation bill, while protecting social spending and public investment .

The ZiG and the Dollar: A Clarion Call for Clarity

A significant part of the IMF’s advice centers on Zimbabwe’s plan to transition to a “mono-currency” system by 2030, phasing out the multi-currency system that has long dollarized the economy . The Fund is urging the government to provide greater clarity on the operational implications of this plan .

Key unanswered questions include whether the use of a mono-currency will be limited to domestic transactions and whether bank deposits can remain denominated in both US dollars and ZiG . The IMF argues that providing this clarity is essential to reduce uncertainty, which is currently weighing on financial intermediation and broader market confidence .

To support this transition, the IMF recommends enhancing the monetary and foreign exchange frameworks. This involves:

1) Reducing the RBZ’s FX market footprint by gradually redirecting surrender requirements into the market.

2) Improving monetary control through market-based instruments.

3)Encouraging ZiG demand, notably by increasing the share of the Treasury’s operations (revenues and expenditures) in the local currency .

The Broader Reform Agenda and the Path Forward

Beyond immediate fiscal and monetary fixes, the IMF highlights that closing structural gaps is vital for unlocking Zimbabwe’s economic potential. The Fund’s directors “concurred that closing important structural gaps could significantly boost Zimbabwe’s economic potential” .

A critical area is governance and the management of state-owned enterprises. The IMF specifically calls for strengthening the governance framework for the Mutapa Investment Fund, including enhancing its reporting, audit, disclosure, and oversight requirements in line with international best practices . This is essential to mitigate fiscal risks and ensure transparency.

Furthermore, the IMF welcomes recent progress on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) reforms, noting that an acceleration of these and other governance reforms is “critical for reducing vulnerabilities and sustaining medium-term growth” .

Ultimately, Zimbabwe’s ability to attract external financing and achieve debt sustainability hinges on its reengagement with international creditors. The Structured Dialogue Platform (SDP) provides a framework for this, focusing on economic, governance, and land reforms . The IMF notes that a stronger policy reform track record, potentially supported by a Staff-Monitored Program (SMP), could be pivotal in these efforts .

A Golden Opportunity for Fundamental Change

The IMF’s 2025 assessment presents a clear message to Zimbabwe’s policymakers and the mining industry: the current boom is a respite, not a solution. While high gold prices are driving a welcome recovery, they are also buying time to implement the difficult reforms that have been delayed for years.

For the mining sector, the report underscores that its long-term success is inextricably linked to the country’s overall macroeconomic health. Persistent exchange rate gaps, low reserve buffers, and fiscal unpredictability are as much a threat to mining investment as a drop in global commodity prices.

The path forward requires more than just weathering the next economic storm. It demands building a more resilient and diversified economic structure. The choices made today, while gold revenues are high, will determine whether Zimbabwe can transform this period of growth into a lasting era of prosperity or whether it will once again find itself vulnerable when the global market shifts. The golden shield is strong for now, but the foundation it protects needs urgent reinforcement.

Zimbabwe has recorded its first trade surplus in six years, thanks largely to stronger mineral exports led by gold, nickel, and ferrochrome, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

According to the latest trade data from ZimStat, the country posted a US$7 million surplus in August 2025, reversing July’s US$10.2 million deficit. Exports rose slightly to US$878.2 million, while imports fell to US$871.1 million.

Mining once again anchored Zimbabwe’s external earnings, accounting for over 80% of total exports. Gold alone brought in US$462.7 million, representing more than half of export receipts, while nickel mattes generated US$122.2 million and ferrochrome added US$44 million.

The modest trade surplus was driven almost entirely by the mining sector. While tobacco exports reached US$70 million, it was gold and base metals that had the biggest influence. Improved output from large-scale gold producers and firming international prices helped lift receipts, while ferrochrome and nickel remained steady performers.

Foreign currency inflows climbed to US$10.4 billion by August, up from US$8.2 billion in 2024, supported mainly by gold and platinum sales. The mining sector’s strong showing also helped boost reserves to US$900 million by September, up from US$700 million in June  the highest level since dollarisation.

Despite the positive headline, analysts warn that the surplus remains fragile and heavily commodity-driven. Zimbabwe’s export profile is still concentrated in minerals, leaving the economy exposed to price swings, operational disruptions, and global demand shifts.

With over 80% of foreign earnings coming from mining, any drop in global metal prices could quickly reverse the current gains.

Economists also note that the surplus was aided by the government’s maize import ban, which slashed the import bill from an average US$55 million to just US$1 million in August. Once the ban is lifted, import pressures are likely to resurface, narrowing the surplus.

Historically, every period of trade stability in Zimbabwe has been tied to mining performance  from gold and nickel in the 1980s to platinum and ferrochrome in the 2010s. The trend remains consistent: when mining thrives, trade balances improve; when it slows, deficits widen.

However, this dominance also exposes a structural weakness  the lack of value addition and export diversification. Zimbabwe continues to ship out largely unprocessed minerals, forfeiting billions in potential revenue that could be generated through local beneficiation and refining.

Outlook: Turning a Short-Term Gain into Long-Term Stability

Experts say sustaining the trade surplus will depend on how effectively Zimbabwe leverages its current mining boom. Expanding beneficiation capacity, improving power supply to mining operations, and maintaining consistent mining policies are viewed as key to turning this short-term gain into a lasting recovery.

With new projects in lithium, platinum, and gold expanding across the country, the potential for sustained surpluses exists  but only if the economy moves beyond raw exports.

Otherwise, the August surplus could end up as another brief recovery, similar to 2019, when mineral exports rose but quickly fell back due to policy inconsistency and falling global metal prices.

Premier African Minerals Limited has entered fresh negotiations to revise its offtake agreement with Canmax Technologies and secure additional funding to increase production at its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Fort Rixon,Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

The discussions aim to restructure debt, improve cash flow, and allow the mine to reach its full operational capacity.

The British-listed miner initially signed an offtake deal with Canmax in 2023, which provided prepayment financing for future spodumene concentrate deliveries.

Following delays in meeting production targets, Premier is now seeking a reworked agreement and supplementary funding to stabilise operations.

In a notice to shareholders managing director Graham Hill said the negotiations are key to unlocking Zulu’s production potential.

“The pathway to achieving full capacity at Zulu lies in finalising a revised offtake agreement and securing the necessary funding,” Hill said. “We are making progress with Canmax and a major trading house, both committed to concluding this agreement successfully.”

Hill noted that additional site inspections are scheduled in the coming weeks, complementing ongoing optimisation work at the plant. Operational improvements and cost management remain a central focus for the company.

“Zulu is a strategic asset with strong resources, infrastructure, and market access,” Hill added. “The board is confident that the steps we are taking will restore value and create sustainable growth for shareholders.”

Financially, Premier is under pressure. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the company posted an operating loss of US$7.68 million, largely due to administrative and optimisation costs at Zulu. Cash reserves stood at US$29,000 at the end of June, although shareholder support continued during the period.

Despite limited liquidity, total assets exceeded liabilities by US$5.88 million. Current liabilities, however, outweighed current assets by US$54.42 million, primarily because of a US$46 million prepayment from Canmax.

The company said this advance would be repaid through spodumene concentrate deliveries or, if unresolved by December 31, 2025, via equity issuance based on a US$100 million market valuation of Zulu.

The board remains confident in the long-term value of Zulu but cautioned that failure to secure new investment or shareholder approval could cast doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Located about 80 kilometres east of Bulawayo, the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project is one of Zimbabwe’s largest undeveloped pegmatite deposits.

Spanning roughly 3.5 square kilometres, the site contains significant lithium and tantalum mineralisation, positioning Premier as a potential key player in Zimbabwe’s growing battery minerals sector.

THE Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) is set to host a pivotal conference aimed at driving formalisation and sustainable practices within the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, which now accounts for the bulk of the country’s gold output, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Dubbed a “conference for change,” the event will be the official closing conference of the MineEntra 2025 Expo at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo on October 10.

In an interview, ZMF chief executive officer Wellington Takavarasha said the conference dovetails with the government’s “responsible mining” mantra and the recent responsible mining audit initiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“Much of the issues that have to do with that (audit) is hovering around the issues of ESG and also corporate social responsibility issues, the safety of the miners and also the welfare and well-being of the miners,” Takavarasha said.

He emphasised the need for harmony between miners and other land users, revealing that the conference would involve officials from the Ministry of Agriculture.

“So that there is cohabitation between the miners and the farmers… one person doing his farming activities without necessarily being interrupted by the mining, or the miner vice versa,” he said.

The ZMF CEO also stated that the forum would serve as a critical consultative platform for the ongoing Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, gathering input from miners on the ground.

“This is also part of a forum where we can gather one or two points that you might have missed that can be added to the position paper that has already been put to government,” Takavarasha said.

“We really wanted to have a dialogue approach where the government realises the full potential and significance of artisanal and small-scale mining… the bottom line that we’re crying for, lamenting for, is to have policies that are palatable to a small-scale operation.”

The ASM sector has become the lifeblood of Zimbabwe’s gold production, contributing 65% of the yellow metal and a significant portion of chrome output.

Takavarasha said the conference would feature presenters from key government stakeholders, including the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, to discuss how miners can directly benefit from their activities.

“How do we come up with programmes and projects that benefit these artisanal small-scale miners?” he said.

“We anticipated we doing a very powerful MineEntra, that’s why one of our themes is a conference for change… we have been talking about these issues but we need a conference about change.”

According to a concept note from the federation, the conference is designed to “foster a collaborative ecosystem that drives the formalisation, modernisation, and sustainable development of the ASM sector in Zimbabwe.”

Expected outcomes include the development of a clearer pathway to formalisation for artisanal miners, enhanced regulatory understanding, and the promotion of a sustainability charter for environmentally responsible mining.

A palpable energy is building at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo, with just one day until the gates swing open, the final, frantic touches are being put on exhibition stands for MineEntra 2025, but amidst this organised chaos, one thing has become undeniably clear, a new standard for excellence is being set, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) Holdings stand is already the undisputed star of the show, drawing gasps of amazement and setting a buzz among the early-bird visitors who have been fortunate enough to catch a preview. For anyone planning to attend what is shaping up to be the most international MineEntra to date, the HCCL Holdings stand is not just a recommendation; it is the master class exhibition and the absolute must-visit destination.

This breathtaking display from HCCL is a fitting centrepiece for an event that has itself matured into a global powerhouse. MineEntra 2025 is not merely a trade show; it is a powerful statement of intent from the Zimbabwean mining sector. The event has solidified its status as a truly international platform, attracting a record number of exhibitors and participants from across the globe. This convergence of local expertise and international innovation creates an unparalleled environment for networking, deal-making, and knowledge sharing, positioning Zimbabwe firmly on the world’s mining map.

A Glimpse into the Future, Today

The awe inspired by the HCCL stand is not merely for its visual scale; it is a physical manifestation of a profound strategic shift. HCCL Holdings is publicly spearheading the modernisation of mining, and its exhibition is a live demonstration of this commitment. The company is championing a future anchored on purpose-driven and innovative mining, actively deploying cutting-edge digital technologies to redefine what is possible.

Guided by a powerful “Vision of Zero Harm,” the company is showcasing its revolutionary approach to rock engineering and geotechnical strategies. This includes the integration of digital mine planning systems, drones, and advanced geological software. These are not just flashy gadgets; they are presented as the essential safeguards for people and the environment, forming the very foundation of a resilient and responsible mining industry. HCCL’s stand tells a story of a company—and by extension, a nation—that is moving decisively beyond extraction to embrace a safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced future.

More Than an Exhibition: A National Dialogue

The grandeur of MineEntra 2025 and the innovation on display at the HCCL stand reflect a larger, critical dialogue happening within Zimbabwe. The mining sector is a vital pillar of the national economy, and this event serves as the premier platform for shaping its trajectory. The conversations started here among government officials, mining executives, engineers, and investors will generate the key policy recommendations and partnerships that will drive the industry forward for years to come.

The event is a powerful testament to the sector’s readiness to embrace Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, proving that operational excellence and ethical responsibility are not mutually exclusive but are in fact two sides of the same coin. This focus ensures that the growth of the mining industry translates into tangible, positive impacts for the nation and its people, aligning perfectly with broader national economic visions.

Your Unmissable Invitation

The stage is set for an extraordinary event. From the must-visit, innovative stand of HCCL Holdings to the hundreds of other international and local exhibitors, Mine Entra 2025 promises to be a transformative experience. It is where the future of mining in Zimbabwe will be visualised, debated, and ultimately, shaped.

If you have any stake in the future of mining—as an investor, executive, engineer, supplier, or policymaker—your presence at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre is essential. Witness the innovation, engage in the critical dialogues, and experience for yourself why the Hwange Colliery Company Limited’s stand is the talk of the show. Come and see how a bold vision, combined with cutting-edge technology, is proudly redefining a legacy and building a safer, more sustainable, and incredibly exciting future for everyone.