Bindura-based gold miner Ran Mine has officially restarted operations following the completion of an extensive environmental cleanup and the implementation of safety protocols required by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The mine was forced to cease operations after a slimes dam breach last month raised concerns about public safety and environmental damage. However, it has now fulfilled all regulatory requirements to resume work.
EMA Mashonaland Central Environment and Publicity Officer Maxwell Mupotsa confirmed that the mine had addressed the necessary conditions to prevent future incidents, including pollution control measures and a redesign of the slimes dam.
“Ran Mine has met the conditions of the order, including implementing pollution abatement measures, creating safety ponds, and switching to a safer, older slimes dam located away from the public. We are satisfied with the work done by the mine,” Mupotsa said.
The mine was ordered to halt operations following the breach of its tailings storage facility (TSF), which posed a significant risk to both the environment and the surrounding communities. The breach led to concerns about the potential contamination of water sources and other environmental hazards. However, with the cleanup and safety upgrades now completed, the mine is back in full operation.
Ran Mine’s management, led by Mine Manager Brienie Dzumbunu, has pledged to continue upgrading safety measures and collaborating with EMA and the Civil Protection Unit to ensure the ongoing safety of the mine’s operations.
“We did a community cleanup and also rehabilitated the dam, putting in several cut-off drains using the area’s topography, along with additional rehabilitation of the dam so that it meets the requirements of EMA and the satisfaction of the community. We have since resumed operations last night,” Dzumbunu explained.
The environmental disaster and the two-week stoppage caused a significant disruption to the mine’s gold production, resulting in an estimated loss of 15 kilograms of gold. Despite this setback, Ran Mine remains optimistic about its future production targets. The mine is currently working towards a 36% increase in gold production in 2025, driven by expansion plans and enhanced operational efficiency.
Ran Mine’s commitment to safety and environmental sustainability is part of a broader effort to enhance the mine’s operations and contribute to the growth of Zimbabwe’s mining sector. With the new safety protocols in place and a renewed focus on responsible mining practices, the mine is poised to achieve its ambitious production goals while safeguarding the environment and surrounding communities.
