The government has deployed more than a dozen teams across the country to carry out this year’s first quarter gold mobilisation exercise to boost the mining of the yellow metal which is backing the recently introduced Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency.
This comes after the country recorded a 1,9% drop in gold output in the first quarter of 2024 due to leakages.
Speaking at the first Gold Mobilisation workshop, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando said that the mobilisation teams were tasked with encouraging small-scale miners to formalise their operations and sell their gold through official channels such as Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR). Said Chitando (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200027203/zig-faces-new-threatas-gold-output-plunges">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
For 2024 from January to April, the gold deliveries to FGR (Fidelity Gold Refineries) sit at 8,4 tonnes against a target of 40 tonnes by the end of the year. In 2023 for the months of January to April a total of 8,57 tonnes were delivered, this represents a 1,9% decrease.
Mineral leakages deprive the government of much-needed revenue from taxes and royalties. By working together, we can ensure that every ounce of gold extracted within our borders contributes to the national good.
</blockquote>
Chitando said increased gold production will boost the gold reserves and strengthen the ZiG’s value. He said (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zimbabwe-to-boost-gold-production-for-new-gold-backed-zig-currency/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
Recently our currency was anchored on gold hence the need to ensure that all gold trade be done through the formal channels and eventually find its way to Fidelity Gold Refinery, our sole gold exporter.
This proactive approach by the ministry demonstrates its commitment to promoting the use of ZiG as a stable and reliable currency backed by tangible assets like gold.
Through these mobilization efforts, the ministry seeks to create a sustainable and robust financial ecosystem that benefits both the government and the citizens of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
The first gold mobilisation exercise will be conducted in all the country’s mining provinces which are Masvingo, Mashonaland East, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Mashonaland Central, Midlands, Manicaland and Mashonaland West.
Chitando also revealed that in the first four months of 2024, large-scale miners delivered 4,3 tonnes of gold to FGR compared to 3,4 tonnes in the same period of 2023, representing a 26% increase.
However, gold delivery from small-scale miners, who are the main contributors to the country’s gold output, fell by 23% in the first quarter. Said Chitando:
<blockquote>
For small-scale miners, the gold deliveries to FGR have decreased from 5,2 tonnes in 2023 to four tonnes in 2024, a 23% decrease.
The small-scale miners have contributed 48% of the gold delivered to FGR for the year 2024 as compared to the 60% contribution for the previous year, 2023.
Over the years since 2020, small-scale miners have been the major contributors to gold deliveries to FGR contributing more than 60%.
However, for the year 2024, the contribution by small-scale miners ranges between 42% and 53% which calls for investigations into the decline in gold deliveries.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Govt In Gold Production Mobilisation Drive To Stabilise ZiG

The Harare City Council is set to regularise 16 900 housing units before the end of the first quarter of 2024.
This was revealed by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Winston Chitando during the question and answer session in Parliament. Said Chitando (<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200023143/harare-regularises-17k-housing-units">via NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
It is important to note that the City of Harare passed a resolution to regularise all settlements in Harare that meet town planning standards.
It should be noted that the City of Harare is not regularising illegal invasions on council schools, clinic sites and recreational sites.
The city has a target to regularise a total 16 900 units by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
</blockquote>
He said the City of Harare has developed a standard checklist to consider for regularisation.
Harare and its environs have experienced have experienced a proliferation of illegal settlements which are linked to ZANU PF land barons who allegedly grab open spaces, including wetlands, and sell them to desperate home seekers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Set To Regularise 17 000 Housing Units

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Winston Chitanda, has warned space and land barons in Mabelreign, Harare, that their illegal shenanigans will not be tolerated.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 13 February Chitando said only the Ministry or local authorities are empowered by the law to sell, lease or offer a lease with the option to purchase, Stateland or Council land.
Chitando, who was in the company of the Deputy Minister and Permanent Secretary of Local Government and Public Works and Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Province, met with high-level officials from the City of Harare, led by the Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume, the Member of Parliament for Harare West Constituency, Honorable J. Mamombe (MP) and some residents of Ward 16, which covers Mabelereign suburb yesterday. He said:
<blockquote>
It was brought to our attention that there have been and continue to be illegal invasion of greenway spaces in Mabelreign, on Stateland and Council land, led by land and space barons.
I want to make it abundantly clear that Government’s position is that it is illegal to parcel out State land or council land for whatever purpose, which responsibility is bestowed only on local planning authorities.
It is also illegal, for any person who is not authorized by the Ministry or the Council, to sell, lease or offer a lease with option to purchase, of Stateland or Council land.
All stakeholders are encouraged to work together to ensure that there is sanity in the greenways of Mabelreign.
Illegal allocations of land in general and in urban areas, inclusive in greenways in Mabelreign, will not be tolerated.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that as of 12 February 2024, a total of 3 775 suspects have been arrested with 985 convictions being made by the courts, while 3 360 cases are pending trial under the ongoing Government’s country-wide operation, “No To Land Barons and Illegal Settlements on Land”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Space And Land Barons Wreak Havoc In Mabelreign

Rural district councils in Zimbabwe have been urged to work diligently and efficiently to deliver quality services to rural communities, while also promoting transparency and accountability. The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Winston Chitando, made this statement during the 17th Association of Rural District Councils Chief Executive Officers Forum Annual Conference in Nyanga. Minister Chitando emphasised the vital role that local authorities play in achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle-class economy.
In his address, Minister Chitando stated that the goal of transforming the country into an upper middle-income economy by 2030 requires the active participation and cooperation of rural district councils, <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/local-authorities-urged-to-foster-accountability-culture/">Manica Post</a> reported. These local authorities are responsible for implementing various development projects and programs that contribute to the overall vision of the country. He said:
<blockquote>
The local authorities must devise strategies to ensure that every city, town and rural district council achieve the desired outcomes. The aim should be to support the President’s Vision 2030 as he has urged everyone to collaborate and provide quality service to the majority of the people. This requires teamwork and therefore the need for everyone’s contribution and commitment.
There is nothing you achieve without a plan. The right tone has been set by President Mnangagwa who established a national blueprint that guides local authorities and helps enhance their performance and service delivery.
</blockquote>
Vision 2030 aims to improve the accountability, transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness of local authorities. It also encourages a culture of innovation, collaboration, and citizen participation. The document is aligned with the National Development Strategy (NDS1) and the devolution agenda, which aim to empower local authorities to address the needs and aspirations of their people.
Minister Chitando assured the Association of Rural District Councils that the ministry would support their people-centred programs in implementing the President’s blueprint, thereby ensuring quality service delivery to the voters. The permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. John Basera, also emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving the objectives of the ministry and the President’s vision. He called for effective collaboration among local authorities to ensure the successful implementation of the blueprint.
Most rural areas in Zimbabwe are poor as depicted by the infrastructure found there or lack thereof. There is a huge divide in development, income, and opportunities between rural and urban areas. Analysts worry that even if Zimbabwe becomes a middle-upper-income country by 2023, rural communities will still be very poor. Although the constitution says that power should be given to local areas through devolution, services are still centralised because of a lack of resources and political willingness. This slows down progress and makes it harder to provide important things like healthcare and education to rural areas.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Rural District Councils Urged To Deliver Quality Services To Rural Communities

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Winston_Chitando/">Winston Chitando</a>, the Local Government and Public Works Minister, has informed the Bulawayo City Council about the expulsion of 12 <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens'_Coalition_for_Change/">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> party councillors from the local government authority. The decision was made based on instructions from <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu/">Sengezo Tshabangu</a>, who claims to be the party’s interim Secretary-General. In Bulawayo, the 12 councillors that were recalled by Mr Tshabangu, include;
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Councillor Donaldson Mabuto (the deputy mayor),</li>
<li>Clr Shepherd Dube (ward one),</li>
<li>Clr Nkosinathi Hove Mpofu (ward six),</li>
<li>Clr Takunda Felix Madzana (Ward 18),</li>
<li>Clr Simbarashe Dube (ward 20),</li>
<li>Clr Tinevimbo Maphosa (ward 21),</li>
<li>Clr Thobeka Mmeli Moyo (ward 22),</li>
<li>Clr Arnold Batirai (Ward 24) and</li>
</ul>
Proportional representation councillors:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Clr Sarah Cronje,</li>
<li>Clr Tabeth Mhizha,</li>
<li>Clr Dorcas Sibanda and</li>
<li>Clr Zibusiso Tshongwe.</li>
</ul>
On October 18, 2023, Minister Chitando sent a letter to the town clerk, Mr. Christopher Dube, stating that the city’s local authority must now inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission about the recalls so as to prepare for upcoming by-elections in the area, according to the <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/minister-chitando-notifies-bcc-of-ccc-recalls-as-councillors-meet-to-elect-acting-deputy-mayor/">Sunday News</a>. Reads the letter:
<blockquote>
I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a letter from the Citizens Coalition for Change, stating that the following councillors have ceased to be members of the Citizens Coalition for Change political party. In terms of Section 121 of the Electoral Act, please proceed to inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of these vacancies.
</blockquote>
Today, the councillors met to choose an acting deputy mayor as a replacement for the recalled Mabutho. 
Bulawayo Mayor, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/David_Coltart/">David Coltart</a>, criticised the recalls and stated that the Minister’s actions are a significant violation of section 68 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to administrative justice. He said:
<blockquote>
The Minister was required to ascertain whether the person purporting to act on behalf of the party was authorised to do so. He was also required to act in a procedurally fair manner, which includes the right of the Councillors affected to be heard before he acted. But the greatest breach is the moral breach – all of these Councillors have recently been voted into office by the overwhelming votes (over 80% majorities in most cases), directly or indirectly, of the citizens of Bulawayo. This is a total negation of democracy- it is an outrage. 
</blockquote>
Coltart said that ZANU PF is the only party benefiting from these actions and is likely responsible for them. He said although this undermines the work of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Bulawayo_City_Council/">Bulawayo City Council</a>, they will keep working hard to improve the city. Coltart said they will also take legal and diplomatic actions to challenge this “unjust behaviour.”
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Local Government Minister Chitando Informs Bulawayo City Council About Expulsion Of 12 CCC Councillors

Zimbabwe’s largest platinum producer, Zimplats, has opened a third mining concentrator as part of a $1.8bn investment program to expand the country’s mining capacity.
Speaking at the official opening of the concentrator, Mines Minister Winston Chitando stated that value-addition and beneficiation are crucial for Zimbabwe’s economic development, creating jobs, increasing exports, and generating revenue for the government. He said:
<blockquote>
What we have today is commissioning of a concentrator plant built by Zimplats which is part of the US$1.8bn investment programme.
This plant represents a significant milestone in the value-addition of mineral resources to promote a sustainable mining industry.
As we all know, value-addition and beneficiation are very key to our economic development, they create jobs, increase exports and generate revenue for the government. Therefore, it is our duty as a nation to promote and support industries that add value to our natural resources.
</blockquote>
Zimplats also plans to develop a 110-megawatt solar power plant to power its facilities. In 2021, the firm announced plans to invest $1.8bn by 2028 in Zimbabwe’s mining facilities, including a base metal refinery and a sulfuric acid plant to increase production.
In 2021, Zimbabwe imported $4.3m worth of sulfuric acid and remains a significant fertilizer importer, despite having the potential to produce it locally. The government is prioritizing the creation of a fertilizer supply chain to help Zimbabwe achieve food security, and the treasury has set aside $22m to stimulate the creation of this supply chain, according to The Herald. Currently, the country has only one fertiliser producer, Zimbabwe Phosphate Industries.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimplats Opens Third Mining Concentrator To Expand Zimbabwe's Mining Capacity

The Minister of Mines, Winston Chitando, has unveiled a plan to address gold smuggling following findings of the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2023/04/16/gold-mafia-kamlesh-pattni-claims-he-appreciates-mnangagwa-every-two-weeks/">Al Jazeera Gold Mafia</a> investigative report released one month ago.
Speaking at a Gold Mobilisation seminar in Harare, Chitando said the government is set to enhance security in gold production and sale. He said:
<blockquote>
We are going to put stern measures so as to plug leakages. So far, our teams will scrutinise output for every gold producer and all the metallurgical records and make sure that all gold produced is channelled officially.
</blockquote>
Al Jazeera’s four-part series revealed that a significant amount of gold worth billions of United States dollars is being smuggled out of Zimbabwe by organised criminals in collaboration with state officials from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Fidelity Printers and Refinery, and airport employees.
Senior figures in government and mining, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Special Envoy Uebert Angel, were secretly recorded providing information on money laundering and gold smuggling.
The Fidelity Printers and Refinery has deployed 17 teams across the country to combat the problem. Several individuals, including politicians and businessmen, were implicated, but none have been arrested.
The Zimbabwean government has denied the Al Jazeera report on the “Gold Mafia” allegations. The government has rejected these allegations, describing them as baseless and false. The government has also stated that it is committed to combating illegal gold trading and smuggling. 
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe's Mines Minister Unveils Plan To Tackle Gold Smuggling

Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando could cancel Todal Mining’s licence after the investor reportedly abandoned the project.
The Todal Mining claims are adjacent to AngloPlat’s Unki Mine in Shurugwi, Midlands Province.
According to a report by <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200010152/minister-sweats-over-idle-platinum-miner">The Zimbabwe Independent</a>, Todal’s claims were taken from Anglo-American Platinum over a decade ago and handed to Central African Mining &amp; Exploration.
The company was later bought by Eurasian Natural Resources, which later became Eurasian Resources Group.
The Zimbabwe Independent reported Ministry of Mines sources as saying authorities had not heard from Todal investors for a while now. Said a source:
<blockquote>
The lack of development at Bokai and Kinonde concessions by Todal Mining has continued to be of concern to authorities.
Chitando is now under increasing pressure to cancel the deal at a time when investment in platinum mining continues to attract investors.
The proprietors of the project are nowhere to be found. They have literally dumped the project.
One of the local partners (name supplied) has been globetrotting and is nowhere to be found.
</blockquote>
The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mines, Pfungwa Kunaka, was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
There were indications that the project was being transferred to Defold, which is another parastatal.
We are still gathering information internally and will revert.
</blockquote>
Defold is a parastatal in the ministry, which is now chaired by the former permanent secretary, Onismo Mazai Moyo.
The publication reported that Mazai said he could not comment as the transfer of Todal to Delford was not yet complete.
Todal’s local partner Valentine Garacho did not respond to questions.
Questions sent to Eurasia Resources Group via e-mail were also not responded to.
Todal was expected to produce an average of 150 000 tonnes of platinum ore per month over a 20-year period.
The investor, however, required a US$250 million investment to start operations.
Last year, Cabinet instructed Chitando to make a follow-up on the project. He reportedly informed Todal Mining that its concessions could be seized because no progress was made in developing them.
Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told a post-Cabinet briefing said then:
<blockquote>
Cabinet also considered the need to get the Todal-Bokai Platinum Project next to Unki Mine into production as soon as possible so that it contributes to the US$12 billion mining industry milestone.
The mines minister was also tasked to follow up on the issue accordingly.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has only three platinum projects in full production. Great Dyke Investments’ Darwendale project is yet to take off, while the Karo Resources project is still in its infancy.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mines Minister Under Pressure To Cancel Idle Platinum Deal | Report

Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando was among dozens of travellers from Harare who were left stranded in Lusaka, Zambia, on Sunday night after a Qatar Airways plane developed a technical fault.
Chitando, who was travelling to Canada, reportedly cancelled the trip and returned home on Monday. He told <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mines-minister-chitando-among-stranded-as-qatar-airways-plane-grounded-in-zambia/">ZimLive</a>:
<blockquote>
I was en route to Toronto, Canada, to address a mining conference on Tuesday.
</blockquote>
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, declared an emergency on approach to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport due to a suspected bird strike on one of the engines.
According to data from FlightRadar24, Flight QR1456 departed Harare at 6.44 PM and landed in Lusaka at 7.30 PM
The passengers waited two hours at the airport before they were put on buses to sleep at local hotels.
Qatar Airways informed the passengers they would complete their journeys on the next service on Monday night.
However, this disrupted the plans of many of the passengers who had connecting flights and scheduled meetings at their destinations.
The plane had been due to depart Lusaka at 9.15 PM for Doha, Qatar’s capital before a technical fault was declared.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Minister Chitando Aborts Trip To Canada As Qatar Airways Plane Develops Technical Fault In Zambia | Report

The mining industry created about 30 000 jobs between 2021 and 2022, a cabinet minister has said.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/mining-sector-creates-30-000-jobs">The Sunday Mail</a>, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando also said in 2022, mineral exports reached US$5.4 billion. He said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s mining sector plays an important role in the socioeconomic development of the country, particularly through employment creation.
The mining sector employed a total of 106 151 direct workers as of the end of 2022.
There has been a significant increase in the number of people employed in the sector from a baseline of 77 799 at the conception of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
NDS 1 was launched in 2021, which means 28 352 jobs were created in the past two years.
… In 2022, the mining industry attained US$5.4 billion in exports against a targeted projection of US$8 billion. In comparison with the base year, 2017, wherein the mining sector’s annual revenue amounted to US$2.7 billion, the mining sector has demonstrated a 100 percent increase in terms of mineral exports.
</blockquote>
According to a report on the state of the mining industry and prospects for 2023 published by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, which represents the country’s big mining companies, the sector expects to add 4 000 jobs this year.
Zimbabwe is targeting a US$12 billion mining economy by the end of this year.
In 2017, the mining sector contributed about 9 percent to the country’s gross domestic product and the figure rose to over 13 percent in 2022.

Mining Sector Has Created 30 000 Jobs Since 2021 - Chitando

The government has banned the export of unbenecifiated base mineral ores except under a written permit from the Minister of Mines and Mining Development.
Base minerals <a href="https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/base-minerals#:~:text=base%20minerals%20means%20all%20Minerals%20other%20than%20Precious%20Minerals.">mean all minerals and mineral substances</a>, other than the nuclear energy source material, precious metals, precious stones, mineral oils, natural gases, and coal.
Through Statutory Instrument 5 of 2023, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Winston Chitando (MP) issued the Base Minerals Export Control (Unbeneficiated Base Mineral Ores) Order, of 2023.
The order bans the export of unbenecifiated base mineral ores except under a written permit from the Minister with immediate effect. Part of the order reads:
<blockquote>
No unbeneficiated base mineral ores shall be exported from Zimbabwe to another country except under written permit of the Minister given in either of the following circumstances of written application to him by any miner or other interested person-
(a) the export of any unbeneficiated base mineral ore in respect of which the applicant produces compelling reasons to the Minister showing that no such ore is capable of being beneficiated to any extent within Zimbabwe, or
(b) the export of samples of any unbeneficiated base mineral ore for assaying outside Zimbabwe, upon production of proof satisfactory to the Minister that such assay cannot be satisfactorily done in Zimbabwe and that the quantity to be exported for that purpose is necessary for that purpose.
The Base Minerals Export Control (Unbeneficiated Lithium Bearing Ores) Order, 2022, published in Statutory Instrument 213 of 2022 is repealed (without, however, affecting the validity of anything done by the Minister under that Order).
</blockquote>
Last month, Chitando banned the export of raw lithium in an effort to promote value addition and beneficiation of the mineral.

Zimbabwe Bans Export Of Unbenecifiated Base Mineral Ores

The Government of Zimbabwe has, with immediate, effect suspended processing applications for new mining titles seeking rights to extraction of diamonds, copper, lithium, nickel and rare earth which are considered strategic minerals.
The government cites an overwhelming increase in demand for mining claims, <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-stops-issuing-permits-for-five-key-minerals/">The Herald</a> reported citing a correspondence signed by Permanent Secretary for Mines and Mining Development Mr Pfungwa Kunaka.
The correspondence dated December 19, 2022, was addressed to provincial mining directors and the deputy cadastre registrar and the mining affairs board secretary.
The Government has also directed that on applications for inspection certificates, the applicants should submit:
<blockquote>
a). a declaration of the amount of work carried out on mining claims,
b). a declaration of minerals contained in the ore body being mined.
</blockquote>
Reads part of the correspondence:
<blockquote>
We have of late seen flooding of applications for mining titles for minerals which have now been deemed strategic in the upcoming Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill.
It has thus become necessary that in the national interest we temporarily stop acceptance and processing of applications for mining titles for the following minerals until further notice: diamonds, copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earth minerals.
The above directives are to be implemented with immediate effect.
It has come to the Ministry’s attention that some miners have not been declaring discovery of different minerals from the one that they are registered for.
This non-declaration has led to prejudice to the growth of the mining sector economy as in some instances high-value minerals are involved.
Accordingly, you are hereby directed to ensure that on applications for inspection certificates the applicants submit a declaration of the amount of work carried out as well as a declaration of minerals contained in the ore body being mined.
</blockquote>
This, it said, should be backed by an assay certificate issued by an approved laboratory. 
The government recently <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zimbabwe-bans-export-of-raw-lithium/">banned the exportation of raw lithium.</a>
The deputy cadastre registrar and mining affairs board secretary are now required to undertake frequently targeted inspections to prevent leakages and losses while monthly reports of such inspections need to be submitted to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.
In 2019, the Government launched a US$12 billion mining industry strategic roadmap by next year aimed at increasing production in the sector from the low levels of about US$2.7 billion in 2018.
Authorities say the sector has grown to about US$5.3 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach US$8 billion this year.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Suspends Issuance Of Permits For 5 Strategic Minerals

Zimbabwe has banned the export of raw lithium in an effort to promote value addition and beneficiation of the mineral.
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development Winston Chitando banned the export of raw lithium through the Base Minerals Export Control (Unbeneficiated Lithium Bearing Ores) Order, 2022. The regulations read:
<blockquote>
UNDER the powers conferred upon me by section 3(1)(a) of the Base Minerals Export Control Act [Chapter 21:05], I, Winston Chitando, MP, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, by this my order direct that with immediate effect as follows:—
1. This order may be cited as the Base Minerals Export Control (Unbeneficiated Lithium Bearing Ores) Order, 2022.
2. In this order— “lithium-bearing ore” means any mineral ore containing lithium; “unbeneficiated lithium means any lithium in whatever form that has not undergone processing to an extent that would exempt it from the payment of export tax under section 12B (“Collection of tax on exportation of unbeneficiated lithium; determination of value thereof”) of the Value Added Tax Act [Chapter 23:12];
3. (1) No lithium-bearing ores, or unbeneficiated lithium whatsoever, shall be exported from Zimbabwe to another country except under the written permit of the Minister given under subsection (2).
(2) On written application by any party—
(a) wishing to export samples of lithium-bearing ore or unbeneficiated lithium for assaying outside Zimbabwe;
or
(b) to a miner or exporter of lithium upon production of written proof satisfactory to the Minister that there are exceptional circumstances justifying the exportation in question and that the lithium bearing ores or unbeneficiated lithium in question have been valued in terms of section 12D(3) of the Value Added Tax Act
[Chapter 23:12] for purposes of payment of the export tax on unbeneficiated lithium, that is to say—the market value thereof on the date of exportation has been determined by reference to a reputable metals exchange; or
(ii) its value is reflected on any document required to be delivered in terms of the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:02] for its exportation under that Act.
4. To avoid doubt—
(a) section 5 of the principal Act provides that “An order shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith in any other enactment or any trade or customs agreement to which the State is a party.; and
(b) section 6 of the principal Act provides that any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any order or with the terms and conditions of any permit issued to him or her under an order shall be guilty of an offence and liable to—
(i) a fine not exceeding level 9 or twice the value of the base minerals in respect of which the offence is committed, whichever is the greater; or
(ii) imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years; or to both such fine and such imprisonment
</blockquote>

Zimbabwe Bans Export Of Raw Lithium

Zimbabwe Mines and Mining Development Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Winston_Chitando">Winston Chitando</a> has said the government is confident it will produce six million carats and generate US$1 billion from the diamond industry next year in line with set targets.
The government plans to grow the mining industry to US$12 billion by next year.
The diamond sector is projected to contribute US$1 billion; Gold is expected to generate US$4 billion, while platinum is expected to bring in US$3 billion.
When the plan was launched in October 2019, mining contributed only US$2.7 billion to economic growth and to US$5.3 billion last year.
In 2021, diamond production stood at four million carats, up from 1.8 million carats recorded in 2018.
Chitando told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/zim-confident-of-producing-6m-carats-next-year">The Sunday Mail Business</a> that the set target in the production of precious stones was on the back of expansion projects, as well as value addition and beneficiation initiatives in the sector.
Speaking after officiating at the inaugural gemstones conference organised by the Zimbabwe School of Mines in Harare last week, Minister Chitando said:
<blockquote>
All I can say is we are achieving US$1 billion next year . . .
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the diamond industry became subdued. I would rather focus on the future and on the fact that we are going to do over six million carats next year, through which we will achieve our US$1 billion.
On the diamond side, we are very clear in terms of the gemology centre, value addition and the arrangement between ZCDC (Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company) and Aurex, and various other value addition initiatives which are being undertaken.
</blockquote>
Current projects under expansion and development include Alrosa, Anjin and Murowa Diamond.
Meanwhile, government critics say while Zimbabwe is endowed with vast natural resources and is host to more than 40 different minerals in the categories of precious metals, base metals, industrial metals and gemstones, the resources are only benefiting political elites.
They say rampant looting in the mining sector results in the allocation of insufficient funds towards service delivery.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Confident It Will Produce 6 Million Carats And Generate US$1 Bn From Diamonds

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, who is MP for Harare East (CCC) on Thursday requested Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando and his ministry’s officials to explain the issuance of special mining leases to several mining companies.
Rising on a point of privilege in Parliament, Biti said special mining rights were now being “distributed like cakes at a wedding” and requested that Chitando explains the development. Biti said:
<blockquote>
I am talking of the platinum leases like the one given to the Russian company, DGI, which has stopped operating at the moment.
These special mining leases are now too numerous. Another example is that of Manhize in Chivi where there is the mining of iron ore. 
Manhize was giving iron ore resources of 43 billion metric tonnes, but no money has come to Zimbabwe.
It hurts because we are mortgaging our country with these special leases and at the end of the day, Zimbabwe receives nothing.
I request that the Mines Minister should come and give a statement on special mining leases that he has [not] given from 2018 to date.
How much money has been raised from them? What were the criteria used in awarding licences?
What investments have been done by such mines, and why did he not come before Parliament for us to be in a position to grant those mining leases because Zimbabwe is now impoverished?
I want Hon. Chitando to come and give us a report. Zimbabwe belongs to its own people and we should not sell it.
</blockquote>
In response, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Tsitsi Gezi said Chitando will be requested to make a ministerial statement on the issue of special mining leases. Said Gezi:
<blockquote>
We have heard you and the message will be conveyed to Honourable Chitando to come and make a ministerial statement in response to the issues you have raised.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/minister-chitando-mortgaging-zimbabwe-special-mining-rights-dished-out-to-shadowy-firms-says-biti/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Biti Demands Chitando Explain Issuance Of Special Mining Rights

The Mines Ministry is demanding $8 million from the 2022 budget to woo investors into the mining sector and ensure that closed mines scattered around the country are reopened.
This was said on Sunday by Mines minister Winston Chitando in a report which he presented in Victoria Falls during the 2022 pre-budget seminar in response to issues raised by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines. He said:
<blockquote>
The ministry will enhance its efforts towards the resuscitation of closed mines. A total of $8 172 604 is required to support promotional activities, engagement with investors and relevant stakeholders towards the reopening of the closed mines.
More effort is also being made through Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) whereby they are engaging various investors to reopen closed mines. The ministry intends to transform the Lupane office into a full-fledged provincial office. Currently, Bulawayo Metropolitan hosts most of the staff and operations of the province.
</blockquote>
Chitando said during public hearings by the committee on the 2022 national budget, members of the public demanded that government must prioritise the reopening of closed mines throughout the country to enhance employment creation and improve mining revenue going into the national purse.
He said Zimbabwe had a lot of large-scale mines that were shut down due to the collapse of the economy leaving thousands of employees jobless. 
He added that it was also recommended that a lithium smelting and processing plant should be set up to produce products rather than export raw minerals. 

Zimbabwe intends to achieve a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023 with a view to attaining an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. 
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/10/mines-ministry-needs-8-million-to-lure-investors/">NewsDay</a>

Mines Ministry Needs $8 Million To Lure Investors - Minister

Local businessman Yakub Ibrahim Mahomed has taken the Mines and Minerals Minister Winston Chitando to court accusing him of grabbing eight gold-rich mining claims in Mberengwa, New Zimbabwe reports.
He is also accused of:
<ul>
<li> Mining the gold claims while knowing there was an ongoing dispute regarding ownership.</li>
<li> Influencing mines secretary Onesimo Moyo, and Nelson Munyanduri, the Midlands provincial mining director, to ignore Mahomed’s complaints.</li>
</ul>
Mohamed has approached the High court and he is reportedly making the following demands:
<ul>
<li>That the court cancels a special grant issued by the mines minister favoring the Golden Reef</li>
<li>He also wants the forfeiture notices of his claims canceled.</li>
<li>He wants the forfeited mining claims to be declared his assets, and be returned to his company, Anesu Gold,</li>
<li>Chitando’s Golden Reef to pay him for the gold it has mined from the disputed mining claims.</li>
</ul>
In his founding affidavit, Mohamed reportedly stated that:
<blockquote>In January 2019, the registration certificates were handed over to Fidelity Printers with specific instructions to cover all outstanding inspection fees from the loan facility.
A loan was released with full knowledge of all parties and the fees were paid to the mines ministry and receipted in Gweru by Munyanduri.
“Then it came to pass that at some stage the applicant received a bombshell that some of the mining claims had been forfeited and that actually, a special grant No. 7321 had been issued over the forfeited mining claims. On further investigations, I found out that two notices of forfeiture had been issued,” said Mahomed.
He told the court the two notices were published by sticking them on the notice board at the mines ministry head office in Harare, and Munyanduri’s offices in Gweru.
The notices were never served on Mahomed.
I never saw, let alone received the notices and, therefore, the applicant was not aware of the notices until after the event. Otherwise I, on behalf of the applicant would have taken steps to protect the applicant’s rights and interests in the mining claims,” said Mahomed.
It is more proper to set out the unfolding of events to show that behind the alleged forfeiture of the mining claims stands the dark shadows of gigantic Uncle Tom called fraud and corruption,
….Mahomed claims he also once engaged businessman Shingi Mutasa and Chitando before he was appointed mines minister. Chitando flew to the Mberengwa gold claims for an inspection, but Mutasa failed to turn up.
He said it was when Chitando gathered information of the “juicy areas” of the mining claims that he hatched a plan to boot Mohamed out.
The businessman said he continued carrying out due diligence regarding mining processes, paying inspection fees, which were received by the mines ministry, but was never told about the forfeiture.
Before the forfeiture, the mining claims were 128 in total.</blockquote>
The matter is yet to be heard.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mines-minister-chitando-dragged-to-court-after-illegally-grabbing-eight-gold-claims/">New Zimbabwe </a>

Chitando Sued For 'Grabbing' 8 Gold Rich Mining Claims In Mberengwa

Zimbabwe’s mineral exports marginally dropped by 3% to US$799,6 million in the first four months of the year owing to the coronavirus induced lockdown that resulted in miners scaling down operations.
Data gathered from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) show that during the first four months to April this year, gold, ferrochromium, chromium ore, bituminous and other minerals recorded a drop as follows:
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>Gold fell 7% to US$289 million</li>
<li>nickel ores and concentrates tumbled 32% to US$102 million.</li>
<li>Ferrochromium by 24% to US$59m,</li>
<li>chromium ore by 27% to US$13m,</li>
<li>bituminous coal by 21% to US$1,2 million,</li>
<li>refined copper by 12% to US$517 383.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
Increases were recorded in:
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>nickel mattes US$267 million,</li>
<li>diamond (US$43m),</li>
<li>unwrought platinum (US$18m),</li>
<li>granite (US$5,8m),</li>
<li>gypsum and anhydrite (US$85 377)</li>
<li>niobium and tantalum US$996 745.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
According to the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CoMZ) COVID-19 disruptions in the mining sector resulted in losses exceeding US$200 million in revenue during the first 30 days.
The unattractive fixed rate of US$45 per gram offered by Fidelity Printers and Refiners, Zimbabwe’s exclusive gold buyer, is allegedly persuading smuggling of gold.
Mineral production for the second quarter of 2020 is expected to decline by about 60% compared to the first quarter, with revenue losses exceeding US$400 million.
More: <a href="https://miningzimbabwe.com/parallel-market-gold-buyers-trounce-fidelity/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Mining</a>

Zimbabwe's Mineral Exports Decline 

The Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando has reiterated Government’s intentions to recover all inactive mining concessions. He also indicated that four unnamed platinum concessions have not been exploited since the 1970s.
Chitando notified that owners of unused concessions have up to end of this month to develop them or lose them to Government. He said by 2023 all the four unused mining concessions should be operational. <ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-7429385817508822" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="2152224461" data-adsbygoogle-status="done"><ins id="aswift_0_expand"><ins id="aswift_0_anchor"></ins></ins></ins>Chitando said:
<div></div>
<blockquote>What Mimosa has done for this hospital is commendable. I challenge its managing director, Mr Fungai Makoni, to consider developing another concession in Masvingo. We have four concessions for platinum lying idle with some undeveloped since 1970.</blockquote>
He said the Mines and Minerals Act demands that all concessions be paid for every year and that operations were expected to commence within a stipulated period after licensing.
<blockquote>Mimosa Mine holds six percent of platinum reserves only but is doing a great job. Other mines have reserves lying idle but they are not operational. We have given these companies up to 30 April to bring comprehensive plans over these concessions.
We use the ‘use it or lose it’ concept and we are going to revoke their licences through making use of the Mines and Mining Minerals Act.</blockquote>
<div></div>
<div class="sirius-dfp-inarticle">He said this at a handover ceremony of a refurbished theater and laundry unit by Mimosa Mine at Masvingo General Hospital yesterday.</div>
<div></div>
<h3>Related:</h3>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h3><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/02/03/zimbabwe-government-repossess-idle-mining-claims/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Government To Repossess Idle Mining Claims</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div></div>
<div class="sirius-dfp-inarticle">More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-to-reclaim-idle-mining-concessions/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Chronicle</a></div>

Use Your Mine Or Lose It - Minister Chitando

Speaking during an interaction with women from across the political and social divide on Friday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Government is crafting a new diamond policy.
Mnangagwa also hinted at the introduction of more diamond mining companies, saying that the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) is being overwhelmed. Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>. . . the fact that there are diamonds is not a bad omen. I am sure you are aware that under the old administration, we banned seven or so companies, which were mining diamonds and we created one company. We have now realised that one company has no capacity to deal with the exploitation of this mineral, so we are in the process, with the Minister of Mines (and Mining Development Winston Chitando). He has a mandate from us to craft a new diamond policy which he is going to present next Tuesday in Cabinet. Incorporated to that diamond policy is the view that the communities around where minerals of this nature – diamonds, platinum, lithium and so on -are found, must benefit. So that is going to come with legislation so that people around areas with minerals benefit.</blockquote>
More:<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/government-working-on-new-diamond-policy/"> Herald</a>

Govt Crafting New Diamond Policy, To Introduce More Diamond Miners

Minister of Mines Winston Chitando has revealed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa administration’s will soon be signing a major deal for the development of coal bed methane. The deal is worth $700 million with the government aiming to build a power station with some of the revenues. Speaking to Bloomberg, Chitando declined to reveal the identity of the investor.
Said Chitando,
<blockquote>The coal-bed methane projects will be for power and other related products and by-products. [Output will be]…channeled towards the establishment of a power plant.
You don’t necessarily need the global players, you need investment. As long as it’s good-quality investment.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/world/africa/2018-05-03-zimbabwe-to-sign-700m-deal-for-coal-bed-methane-site/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BusinessLive</a>

Winston Chitando Latest News

Latest Jobs