After two decades of broken promises and dashed hopes, the Zimbabwean government has taken a bold step to breathe life back into one of the country’s most iconic mining giants — Shabanie and Mashaba Mines (SMM).
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Munashe Shava, a respected mining executive and turnaround strategist, has been appointed as the new administrator of SMM under a fresh 24-month reconstruction order, as gazetted on Friday.
A New Sheriff in Town
The appointment, made under General Notice 1007 of 2025 in accordance with the Reconstruction of State-Indebted Insolvent Companies Act [Chapter 24:27], was confirmed by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi after consultation with the Minister of Finance.
Shava’s resume speaks for itself. He currently oversees the reconstruction of Hwange Colliery, leads the Platinum Group Metals cluster at Kuvimba Mining House, chairs the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), and holds a leadership role at Kamativi Mining Company. Now, he’s being asked to work his magic at SMM — a place many had written off as lost to history.
SMM: A Fallen Giant
Once the pride of African asbestos production, SMM employed over 5,000 workers and exported chrysotile asbestos across the globe. But the early 2000s marked the beginning of a dramatic downfall. Global asbestos bans, aging infrastructure, ownership wrangles — particularly involving businessman Mutumwa Mawere — and years of mismanagement all conspired to bring operations to a standstill.
Since then, the mines in Zvishavane and Mashava have become ghost towns. Their silent headgear and rusting conveyor belts tell a story of abandoned ambition.
Decades of False Dawns
For years, government officials have repeatedly claimed that revival was just around the corner. Each promise rekindled hope in nearby communities — only to be followed by silence and inaction. In April 2025, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana admitted that investors who had signed contracts and even advertised jobs failed to secure funding. “It’s the same thing… an investor failing to secure funding,” he said, describing the reopening efforts as little more than a “pipe dream.”
Locals are tired of the rhetoric. “We’ll believe it when we see smoke coming out of the chimneys again,” said one former employee.
Can Shava Break the Curse?
If anyone can rewrite this narrative, it could be Munashe Shava.
At Hwange Colliery, he orchestrated a dramatic turnaround by securing a US$50 million investment from Zhong Jiani Investments for a new underground coal mine. Under his leadership, the struggling company stabilized operations, doubled coal output, and began clearing salary arrears.
His work hasn’t gone unnoticed — in 2024, he was named Outstanding Public Sector Chairperson at the CEO Network Awards for his efforts at ZCDC and other state mining firms.
Now at SMM, Shava faces his toughest assignment yet. His task will include forensic audits, asset valuations, and crafting a viable recovery strategy — possibly including diversification into other minerals or industries.
The Asbestos Challenge
Still, even with the best leadership, the elephant in the room remains: asbestos. Global demand has plummeted. Health risks have led to outright bans in most countries. Finding a serious investor for a multimillion-dollar asbestos revival is a long shot.
Economists agree: “This is not just about fixing a mine. It’s about reinventing it for a new era,” said one analyst.
A Future Beyond Asbestos?
Speculation is already swirling about possible alternatives. Lithium exploration. Solar energy farms. Agro-industrial zones. These ideas could align with Zimbabwe’s growing focus on green minerals and sustainable development.
What’s clear is that the community is watching, and waiting.
A Community’s Last Hope?
For the people of Zvishavane and Mashava, Shava’s appointment isn’t just another government reshuffle. It’s the latest — and possibly last — chance for meaningful change. Generations have grown up hearing that the mines will one day roar back to life. Many are hoping Shava’s appointment will finally turn that hope into reality.
