Nasdaq Stock Exchange-listed mining giant, Namib Minerals, is laying the groundwork for a US$100 million investment at Mazowe Mine as part of its aggressive strategy to revive Zimbabwe’s forgotten gold assets and reposition the country on the global mining map, Namib Minerals CEO Ibrahim Sory Tall said in an exclusive interview with Mining Zimbabwe.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Tall, who recently toured Mazowe Mine, confirmed that the capital expenditure will focus on reopening operations, rehabilitation, expanding production capacity, and conducting extensive exploration to double existing resources. However, he stressed that the company’s efforts hinge on strong collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, security agencies, and local stakeholders to tackle persistent illegal mining activities that may delay investment timelines and resource security.
“We have already done preliminary work and some assessments. Our capex is set at US$100 million for Mazowe. This will go into reopening the mine, expanding it, and exploration to grow our resource base. But illegal activity remains a serious blockage. We are in talks with the government and authorities to remove these challenges, and once resolved, we can deploy the investment immediately,” Tall said.
A Sleeping Giant of Zimbabwe’s Gold Belt
Mazowe Mine, located about 50km north of Harare, has historically been one of Zimbabwe’s most productive gold assets. Its closure, due to economic conditions that prevailed at the time, left a vacuum. Namib Minerals’ arrival marks a potential turning point, signalling renewed international interest in Zimbabwe’s dormant gold mines. The company’s plan to inject US$100 million is not just about reviving Mazowe but also about transforming it into a modern, world-class mining operation that integrates technology, safety, and sustainability.
The Elephant in the Room
During his visit, Tall acknowledged that illegal mining has long been a challenge across Zimbabwe’s gold sector and emphasised the need for a collective solution.
“Illegal mining activities are a reality in Mazowe and across the country, and they pose significant risks to safety, the environment, and the long-term value of these assets. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration between mining companies, government, security services, and local communities. At Namib Minerals, we are fully committed to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to restore order, protect the integrity of our operations, and ensure that Mazowe’s revival benefits the nation,” he said.
This reality is not unique to Mazowe. The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has repeatedly urged a structured approach where ASM can be formalised and integrated into the sector.
Namib Minerals’ Broader Zimbabwe Vision
Namib Minerals is not a speculative entrant. The company has already attracted attention globally by ringing the Nasdaq closing bell earlier this year, showcasing Zimbabwe at the heart of its portfolio. Its ambition is clear: revive gold mines and expand into green energy minerals such as copper, cobalt, and other rare earths.
Tall has said that Namib Minerals is targeting at least US$300 million in investments across multiple projects, including Redwing and Mazowe Mines. His visit to Mazowe underscores the company’s confidence in Zimbabwe’s untapped potential and marks the beginning of a decisive push to unlock it.
Namib Minerals’ approach is strategic:
· Reopen dormant mines with proven resources.
· Expand capacity through fresh exploration and capex.
· Align with Zimbabwe’s 2030 vision in which the country is expecting to become an upper-middle-income economy.
Government Engagement: Unlocking the Investment
Tall confirmed that Namib Minerals is in discussions with key arms of government, from the Ministry of Mines to local authorities, to pave the way for the smooth resumption of operations.
Zimbabwe has made investor protection a central talking point, with Mines Minister Winston Chitando repeatedly assuring that new players will be guaranteed security of tenure, transparent licensing, and support in dealing with legacy issues.
For Mazowe specifically, engagement will revolve around:
· Community engagement, ensuring all work takes community needs into account.
· Infrastructure rehabilitation.
If these elements align, Mazowe could rapidly transition back to production.
Why Mazowe Matters
Mazowe is not just another mine, but it is a strategic test case for Zimbabwe’s mining future.
For Zimbabwe, Mazowe’s revival could prove that dormant mines can be resuscitated by credible foreign investors, boosting production and exports. For communities, it promises formal employment, improved safety, and local development compared to the current unregulated artisanal operations.
Mazowe could become a blueprint for future mine revivals, attracting more foreign capital and accelerating Zimbabwe’s march towards its multi-billion-dollar mining industry target.
