A senior executive at Namib Minerals has launched a blistering attack on corrupt practices in the mining industry procurement chain, challenging buyers and suppliers to consider the legacy of their decisions on Zimbabwe’s future, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Mr E. Chivanga, speaking on behalf of Namib Minerals, which operates How Mine near Bulawayo, delivered a frank assessment of miner-supplier relations while announcing major expansion projects and the group’s recent Nasdaq listing.
Mr Chivanga said miner-supplier relationships must be “forged on respect for each other,” acknowledging that the current gold boom has made engagement difficult.
“I heard some say it is difficult to engage miners. It was like you are asking for permission to see a president,” he observed. “It is just natural that when someone is holding money, and you want that money, you also need to try and become humble.”
He acknowledged the financial strain suppliers face, admitting that payment terms often extend beyond the standard 90 days to 120 days.
“You guys are very important, and we cannot look down upon that,” he said.
Nasdaq Listing and Major Projects
Mr Chivanga announced that Namib Minerals has recently listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, a development that makes quality standards “non-negotiable.”
“We are self-conscious. We can kill people if we do not have quality items,” he stated, calling on suppliers to adhere to international quality standards.
He also revealed significant expansion plans, including the commissioning of a major project in August and three larger mines in October. The company recently deployed a 600-tonne crane — one of the largest in the country — from Motor Port Shafts to support its operations.
“These are positives, which we would also invite our suppliers to say, you are important, you are strategic to our operation, we need you to come,” he said. “Do not worry about the red chips, we will try to infuse them to come and see us.”
Technology Gap Warning
The executive identified a significant technology gap between Zimbabwean suppliers and global standards.
“I appeal to our suppliers that sometimes we take the role of our suppliers in trying to bridge the gap between what we are supplying and what the industry requires. We are way, way behind in terms of technology,” he warned.
He urged suppliers to “invest in global source engagement, go around, go to other countries, try to check and invest in new technology so that we have proper solutions as far as our mining is concerned.”
Anti-Corruption Challenge
In a passionate closing message, Mr Chivanga cautioned against corrupt practices that undermine the industry’s potential.
“Greed and selfishness. This has got a huge impact on our operations,” he said. “Let us desist from corrupt activities as mining people, which are the mining houses and also suppliers, please. You must not corrupt our people.”
He addressed procurement officers directly:
“Everyone who is a mining buyer in a mining house, your signature has got only two possible outcomes. It is either you are killing your country or you are making your country go far.”
He concluded with a reflective challenge:
“Fifty years from now, where will you be? A country where you will sign your signature. Twenty years signing a signature to kill your country. What is your signature doing to your country?”
