ZMDC to reopen idle mines

THE Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation is inviting tenders from private partners as it seeks to reopen at least six mines that had been lying idle for several years due to a number of factors, chief among them lack of recapitalisation funds.
The move is in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s push to have the country’s economy work again.

In his inaugural speech, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe will pursue an economic revival agenda underpinned by the mining and agriculture sectors, and the latest moves by the state firm are the first steps to maximise on the country’s mineral rich deposits.

The State mining firm has called for “Expression of Interest” (EOI) for at least six mines rich in gold, chrome, coalbed methane, emerald, tantalite, lithium and graphite.

In a notice on their official website, the state mining entity advices of the opportunities that exist in the six mines and also invites investment in the beneficiation of the minerals thereof.

“The Zimbabwe Mining Development (ZMDC) owns two CBM Special Grants: the Mbungu SG No 5755, measuring 333,160Ha, and Gwayi SG No 5754 measuring 304, 705Ha, both located in the north western Karoi areas of Zimbabwe which straddle the Lupane, Gokwe and Binga Districts,” advises ZMDC.

“ZMDC would like to engage reputable companies to partner it in exploration, development mining, processing and beneficiation of coalbed methane in one or both of these special grants,” reads the notice.

Tenders are also being invited for investment opportunities in the emerald rich Sandawana mine of                Mberengwa which also has been underutilised for several years, having first been exploited in 1955 when emeralds were discovered.

In 2012, the state mining conglomerate through its then chairman Mr Goodwills Masimirembwa said it had discovered gold and iron ore deposits at the mine but, again, has not been able to fully utilise them.

“Sandawana hosts part of the Mweza Greenstone Belt. The Sandawana Mine Lease has great potential covering emeralds, gold, tantalite, beryl, iron ore, silver, niobium, lithium, chrome, tin and slate.

“Interested parties are invited to express interest in partnering ZMDC in exploration, development, mining, processing and beneficiation of emerald, lithium, and tantalite from Sandawana Mine,” said ZMDC.

The state miner also invited partners for the Lynx Graphite Mine near Karoi in Mashonaland West province.

It has claims measuring 570 hectares and is currently on care and maintenance.

Geological and feasibility reports have already been done.

Lynx Mine could prove to be a very attractive investment due to the spike in demand for graphite across the world. Demand for graphite, as well as lithium, has been rising steadily due to the rise in lithium-ion batteries.

In October last year, Lynx Mine told The Sunday Mail Business that several investors had expressed interest in the mine which was in need of about US$5 million in capital injection which would have seen them producing 500 tonnes per month.

The state miner wants partners for the Jena Gold Mine in the Midlands Province as well as the Evington Gold Mine near Chegutu.