Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

Zimbabwe’s small-scale miners are on the verge of a major shift in how they extract gold. Through the Planet Gold Zimbabwe initiative, the government is rolling out new technologies and support structures to eliminate mercury use in artisanal gold mining—part of Zimbabwe’s commitment to the Minamata Convention.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe on the sidelines of the Planet Gold Zimbabwe Mines and Minerals Bill analysis workshop held at Cresta Oasis Hotel on Wednesday, Planet Gold Zimbabwe Project Manager Ms. Nyaradzo Mtonhori explained that the initiative is being driven by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife. Their shared goal is to reduce mercury use by over 4.85 tonnes within five years.

“We are working to reduce mercury use through introducing mercury-free gold processing technologies, while also easing the path to formalisation for artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM),” said Mtonhori.

According to Mtonhori, the project is grounded in Zimbabwe’s National Action Plan on Mercury, which flows from the Minamata Convention—an international agreement designed to reduce and eliminate mercury emissions. Zimbabwe became a signatory in 2021.

So far, Planet Gold has completed a site profiling exercise in 11 mining districts, assessing the types of ore and mining activity taking place. Through this process, the project is identifying which districts are best suited for the different mercury-free technologies being piloted. The National Metallurgical Laboratory is currently analysing samples to determine how new technologies can be aligned with the unique conditions of each district.

“Our aim is to match ore characteristics to mercury-free processing techniques. Once that is done, we will begin introducing the new technologies and train miners on how to use them. Our target is not just the equipment, but a complete behavioural change,” she said.

She noted that while cyanide has been considered as an alternative, the project’s preference is for chemical-free solutions that don’t present new hazards.

“Cyanide is another hazardous chemical, so we are aiming to avoid replacing one problem with another. That’s why our approach leans towards gravity-based methods and cleaner options,” she said.

The rollout of mercury-free processing technologies is expected to begin next year, but implementation of the overall programme has already started. “We started implementation in November last year and we’re now seven months in. We are ahead of other countries running Planet Gold programmes,” Mtonhori noted.

One of the biggest concerns raised by small-scale miners is whether they will be able to afford or manage these new technologies. Many miners rely on mercury because it is simple and accessible. Planet Gold Zimbabwe’s approach is therefore centred on gradual transition and training.

“We are not imposing anything on miners,” said Mtonhori. “We want to work with them, let them see the benefits of switching away from mercury. This includes showing how safer methods can actually increase gold recovery.”

In recent consultations facilitated by the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), the feedback has been supportive, but caution remains. Many miners say they are still waiting to see how the technologies will perform in practice.

ZMF CEO Mr. Wellington Takavarasha acknowledged the importance of the initiative. “We support the reduction of mercury use, especially if safer and more efficient technologies are made available. But it must be done in a way that supports our miners, not criminalises them,” he said.

Mr. Takavarasha warned against approaching the transition as a top-down directive. “We don’t want a situation where miners are arrested for using mercury while the alternatives are not yet available or affordable,” he said.

He also raised concerns about duplication of institutions and overregulation. “We want to see a well-coordinated effort between government departments, Planet Gold, and miners. This is not just an environmental matter—it’s a livelihoods matter,” he said.

The Planet Gold Zimbabwe project, with a budget of over US$24 million, is one of the country’s largest donor-backed mining initiatives. If successfully implemented, it will place Zimbabwe among global leaders in responsible small-scale mining.

Mtonhori believes that Zimbabwe has the potential to become a model of safe, formalised small-scale mining in Africa. “We have a strong technical team, committed partners, and most importantly, miners who are ready to learn and adapt. The signs are positive,” she said.

As the pressure to phase out mercury increases globally, Zimbabwe’s early adaptation gives it a competitive advantage. But for the initiative to succeed, it must keep its focus on the people who matter most: the miners.

“The message we want to send to miners is that this change is for their safety, their families, and their future. We are not here to take mining away from them. We are here to help them do it better,” said Mtonhori.

For now, all eyes are on the upcoming rollout of the mercury-free processing systems. If the uptake is high and the results meet expectations, it could reshape Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector—and create a new chapter of responsible resource development in the country.

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc has reported a strong Q2 2025 at its Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe, delivering 21,070 ounces of gold—a new second-quarter record, up from 20,773 ounces in Q2 2024.

By Ryan Chigoche

This impressive production performance follows H1 2025 output of 39,741 ounces, a 5.1% increase over the 37,823 ounces produced in H1 2024.

Based on these results, Caledonia has raised its 2025 gold production guidance to 75,500–79,500 ounces.

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Officer Mark Learmonth said:

“Production in the first half of 2025 was excellent and has exceeded our expectations. As a result of this strong performance, we are increasing our annual production guidance. This performance is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team.

“Blanket Mine continues to provide a solid foundation for growth. As we move forward, we are confident that it will continue to be a cornerstone of our success, driving value for our shareholders.”

All figures are reported on a 100% basis and reflect final assays from the refiner.

Blanket Mine continues to underpin Caledonia’s Zimbabwe operations, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone asset in the company’s portfolio.

Located in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland South Province, Blanket Mine is one of the country’s longest-running underground gold operations. Acquired by Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc in 2010, the mine has steadily increased production through a combination of exploration, underground development, and process optimisation.

The mine exploits a series of gold-bearing quartz veins hosted within the Sebakwe Greenstone Belt, with mineralisation typically occurring in narrow, steeply dipping lodes. Blanket operates multiple underground stopes accessed via a decline system, supported by modern mining and processing infrastructure.

Meanwhile, shares in Caledonia Mining were up 4.3% at 1,590.00 pence in London on Wednesday morning.

A new chapter is unfolding in the global rare earths race as China’s rare earth exports surged in June, signalling a potential trade war thaw, just as the United States prepares to launch a rare earth pricing system designed to challenge Beijing’s longstanding dominance in the critical minerals market, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

According to China’s customs data, rare earth exports rose to 5,598 metric tons in June 2025, up 21.6% from the previous month and 13.3% year-on-year. This spike in exports may reflect easing trade tensions and renewed industrial demand amid global clean energy and defence supply chain pressures. China, which controls over 85% of global rare earth refining capacity, has long been the world’s dominant force in the market for these vital materials used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military systems.

However, across the Pacific, the United States is moving aggressively to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. According to recent reports, US-based Rare Earths Inc. will begin publishing weekly prices for key rare earth elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. This pricing system, the first of its kind in the West, is expected to bring transparency and reduce volatility in rare earth markets currently influenced heavily by Chinese pricing structures.

“This is not just about pricing—it’s about sovereignty and supply chain security,” a Rare Earths Inc. executive told reporters. The company believes that transparent, independent pricing will help level the playing field for Western miners and manufacturers, while attracting investment into alternative supply chains outside of China.

The US initiative is being closely watched by allies, including the European Union and Japan, who have also faced supply risks due to China’s strategic control over rare earth exports. Historically, Beijing has restricted exports of these minerals during times of geopolitical tension, such as in the 2010 dispute with Japan and, more recently, during escalating trade frictions with Washington.

Despite the current jump in Chinese exports, many analysts see the move as China regaining leverage, rather than relaxing its grip. By maintaining control over pricing and supply, China can continue to influence global technology supply chains, even as countries like the US attempt to diversify.

A Global Shift in Critical Mineral Strategies

The global battle over rare earths reflects the broader geopolitical realignment around critical minerals essential to the green energy transition and national security. For developing countries like Zimbabwe, which also hosts rare earth deposits, the power struggle between China and the US presents both risks and opportunities.

Industry experts say Zimbabwe should now prioritise transparent licensing, beneficiation policies, and global partnerships that allow it to leverage its rare earth potential without falling prey to the dominance of a single power bloc.

A Market in Motion

As China’s rare earth exports rise and the US moves to implement a Western pricing benchmark, the global market for critical minerals is entering a transformative phase. Whether this shift leads to a true rebalancing of power—or simply a new form of competition—remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that control over rare earths is no longer just about economics—it is about global influence, national security, and the energy future of the planet.

Bikita Minerals has announced plans to establish a US$400 million smelting facility—a move that signals the company’s firm commitment to deepening local beneficiation and capturing greater economic value from the country’s vast lithium and rare mineral resources, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Announcing on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the company stated: “Exciting news! Bikita Minerals is planning to set up a $400 million smelting plant for further value addition! This will contribute to the local economy & support Zimbabwe’s economic development goals!”

This comes as Sinomine Resource Group, the Chinese owner of Bikita Minerals, continues to cement its status as one of the most transformative foreign investors in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. The company has already commissioned a series of world-class mineral processing plants—including the world’s first Caesium Flotation Plant (CFP)—positioning Bikita as a critical mineral beneficiation hub on the African continent.

From Petalite to Processing Powerhouse

Once known simply for petalite extraction, Bikita Minerals has undergone an industrial renaissance since Sinomine acquired it in February 2022. The mine, located in Masvingo Province, now houses a suite of advanced processing facilities, including the Gravity Separation Plant (GSP) and Spodumene Flotation Plant (SFP)—each designed to process specific lithium-bearing minerals with increased efficiency and reduced waste.

The company has grown its resource base from 29.41 million tonnes to 113.35 million tonnes, a near fourfold expansion that justifies its current focus on vertical integration and in-country value addition. Now, with a US$400 million smelter in the pipeline, the final piece of Zimbabwe’s lithium beneficiation puzzle is falling into place.

The Cesium Gamechanger: A Global First for Zimbabwe

Among the many milestones at Bikita, the commissioning of the Cesium Flotation Plant in May 2025 stands out as a landmark achievement—not just for Zimbabwe, but for the world. The CFP is the first facility globally dedicated to recovering low-grade cesium ores, putting Zimbabwe on the map of high-tech mineral supply chains essential for defence, medical imaging, 5G, and aerospace industries.

What makes the CFP exceptional is its multi-mineral recovery strategy. Instead of focusing solely on pollucite—the primary cesium ore—the plant also extracts spodumene and lepidolite, ensuring maximum yield from every tonne mined. This integrated beneficiation model boosts profitability, reduces environmental waste, and creates a blueprint for responsible mining in Africa.

Spodumene Production Soars, Costs Plummet

Bikita’s SFP has become a symbol of smart mining economics. By deploying new flotation techniques and plant upgrades, the company has slashed spodumene production costs. Such cost control not only makes Bikita globally competitive, it also insulates it from low international lithium prices that have destabilised less efficient producers.

Powering Progress: Energy Infrastructure and Solar Backup

Beneficiation requires stable energy, and Sinomine is delivering. A new 132kV power line has been installed, linking Bikita to Masvingo, Nyika, and Zaka. The company is also constructing a 20MW solar project to future-proof its operations, ensuring energy security while lowering carbon emissions.

This infrastructure does more than power machines; it uplifts communities by strengthening grid resilience and powering schools, clinics, and water systems in surrounding areas.

Community Impact: ESG Beyond Compliance

Where other investors have promised and fled, Sinomine has built and delivered. The company has drilled over 36 community boreholes, improved roads, equipped clinics, and upgraded local schools. These initiatives earned Bikita national and international recognition, including the ESG Green Champion Award and the Responsible Mining & Clean Energy Champion Award in 2024.

This approach—where economic gain is matched with social impact—demonstrates a new model of foreign investment that aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.

The Smelter: Completing the Value Chain

The proposed US$400 million smelter is the most significant step yet. While petalite and spodumene have been processed for export, smelting brings the potential for in-country production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide or carbonate—the high-value inputs needed in global battery and EV markets.

If implemented, the smelter will reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence on raw exports, increase forex retention, generate new jobs, and place the country on a more equal footing with lithium refiners in China, South Korea, and Europe.

From Mine to Market—On Zimbabwe’s Terms

Bikita Minerals, under Sinomine’s stewardship, is showing that Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth need not be a curse—it can be the cornerstone of local industrialisation, jobs, and energy transformation. With the $400 million smelter now on the table, and an existing backbone of beneficiation plants already in operation, Bikita is on track to become Africa’s most advanced lithium and cesium processing complex.

As the world races toward electrification, Zimbabwe must insist that its minerals drive not only global innovation but also national development. With the right policy support, transparency, and community accountability, Bikita’s trajectory could very well be the future of African mining.

Namib Minerals, freshly listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker NAMM, is looking to raise up to US$400 million as it accelerates plans to restart operations at the Mazowe and Redwing gold mines in Zimbabwe.

By Ryan Chigoche

The investment forms part of the company’s five-year capital programme, which earmarks between US$300 million and US$400 million for its Zimbabwean operations.

Preliminary work has already commenced at both sites, positioning the company for a swift return to production.

Mazowe and Redwing, which together host 3.7 million ounces of gold resources—1.2 million ounces at Mazowe and 2.5 million ounces at Redwing—were placed under care and maintenance between 2019 and 2020. Namib is now repositioning the assets to serve as a core growth driver within its African gold portfolio.

The Mazowe Mine, averaging grades of 8g/t gold, is expected to lead the restart due to its lower capital intensity and smaller operational footprint. In contrast, Redwing, with a larger resource base, presents greater long-term upside but demands a higher initial investment to resume full-scale mining.

Namib’s total capital outlay will cover mine rehabilitation, exploration, equipment acquisition, and processing plant upgrades. The company also intends to double its gold resource base and extend mine life through continued drilling across all three of its Zimbabwe gold assets, including the producing How Mine.

“We’re not just building a mining company, we’re building a platform for long-term value creation—both for our shareholders and the communities we operate in,” said Ibrahima Sory Tall, CEO of Namib Minerals, in a statement.

“Now, as a Nasdaq-listed company, we invite investors to join us at the ground floor of one of Africa’s most dynamic mining growth stories,” he added.

Namib Minerals positions Zimbabwe as a strategic pillar in its Africa-focused expansion strategy.

The relaunch of Mazowe and Redwing signals the company’s intent to unlock substantial value from its brownfield assets, backed by fresh capital and a clear development roadmap.