As Zimbabwe’s mining sector continues to evolve amid shifting global dynamics and growing calls for sustainability, the leadership of the Chamber of Mines plays a pivotal role in guiding the industry.
In this exclusive interview, the outgoing President of the Chamber of Mines, Thomas Gono, reflects on his two-year tenure, highlighting key achievements such as record export earnings, strengthened stakeholder relations, and progress in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance.
What would you consider your most significant achievements during your tenure as President of the Chamber of Mines?
During the past two years that I have served as the Chamber President, the mining industry has achieved some key milestones that are a direct outcome of the collaborative effort between the Government and the Chamber. The industry celebrated record export earnings of US$5.9 billion in 2024, despite a challenging commodity markets environment. We also managed to consolidate our improved relationship with key stakeholders, including Parliament, Government, and other key Government departments such as RBZ, ZESA, and ZIMRA. Our engagements with ZESA have seen the mining industry being prioritised in the allocation of scarce power.
On the industry labour front, there were enhanced engagements with the workers’ unions, resulting in labour relations harmony, with no industrial action having been undertaken. We managed to work closely with the Government, and on most occasions, we were consulted during policy and legislative formulation, and most importantly, our key submissions were considered. During the tenure, we also managed to set up the Chamber Centre of Excellence, which is set to improve the delivery model of the Chamber, with improved efficiency and a wider range of products for our members and stakeholders. I am happy to have contributed to these achievements during my tenure.
What were the biggest challenges you faced leading the Chamber, and how did you navigate them?
My tenure coincided with a marked downturn in key mineral markets that resulted in prices for commodities including PGMs and base metals taking a huge knock, resulting in revenue losses. This situation occurred at a time when operating costs were rising, driven by new taxes and increases in electricity tariffs. Consequently, the viability of mining projects during this period was severely compromised. As price takers, we had to engage the Government and other departments, including ZESA, to assist in reducing the cost of production.
Further worsening the situation was the widening disparity between the official and parallel market exchange rates, which also resulted in the loss of value on the surrender portion of export proceeds. Engaging the RBZ for adequate forex and fair compensation of the surrender portion was equally a significant task. However, we managed to achieve some positive outcomes, including the review of the special capital gains tax framework, while most tax heads were maintained despite the Government also facing significant revenue pressures during the period under review.
What role did the Chamber play in shaping discussions around responsible mining and environmental compliance during your term?
During my tenure, the Chamber adopted Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) as one of our strategic priorities. In this regard, a scoping study for an ESG framework for the mining industry was undertaken, and an ESG Guidelines framework is being developed. The Chamber of Mines also undertook Safety, Health, and Environment audits that supported the continual improvement work of individual mines. These audits were conducted with the support of regulatory bodies such as EMA, SAZ, and the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. The audited entities noted the value they received from participating in the audits.
How did the Chamber address concerns around mine worker safety, wages, and labour rights during your presidency?
The Chamber of Mines, through the SHE Committee, undertook several initiatives to support mines in improving their SHE performance. In addition, the Chamber engaged the Ministry of Mines and shared information on fatal accidents. First Aid and Mine Rescue competitions were conducted to enhance the capacity of mines to respond to emergencies. On several occasions, the Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe provided support to small mines in the rescue of miners trapped in underground operations.
What progress, if any, was made toward improving beneficiation and value addition in the sector during your tenure?
The Chamber of Mines fully supports the Government’s thrust of maximising the contribution of the mining sector to the economy through increased beneficiation of the country’s mineral resources. I am happy to report that the mining industry, specifically the PGMs sector, achieved key beneficiation milestones in the last year. The PGMs sector and the Government agreed on a beneficiation roadmap that will result in the country exporting a minimum of PGMs matte, with all concentrates being smelted in-country.
In line with this agreement, it is encouraging to report that the PGMs industry now has adequate smelting capacity, and all concentrates are now being processed locally. The lithium industry has also made significant progress. The Chamber successfully engaged the Government and agreed on a beneficiation roadmap for the lithium industry that will result in the production of lithium sulphate. Already, most lithium producers are investing in beneficiation facilities in line with the agreed timelines.
What advice would you give to your successor to ensure continued growth and sustainability in Zimbabwe’s mining industry?
The Chamber has developed a tradition of maintaining a close working relationship with our key stakeholders in improving the operating environment for the mining industry. Over the past years, this approach has significantly improved the operating environment, culminating in the growth of our mining sector. My advice to my successor is to work closely with the Chamber Secretariat and Committee Structures to consolidate and entrench this winning approach in achieving our strategic goals.
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently or any unfinished business you hope the next leadership will take forward?
The Chamber operates with a clearly defined strategy and operational plans that have clear deadlines. My feeling is that we have been working according to our plans and could not have done the job differently from the agreed-upon plans.
Where to from here?
I remain part of the Chamber family and, as Immediate Past President, I am still part of the Chamber leadership. I will continue to work closely with the new Presidium and the Chamber Secretariat, sharing my experiences during my tenure to achieve our objectives.
This interview first appeared in the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine edition 80, which was first distributed at the 2025 Chamber of Mines annual mining conference and exhibition held in Victoria Falls.
