Zimbabwe Gold Mining Project Operation Review (2019–2023)
From 2019 to 2023, four gold mining projects were carried out in different regions of Zimbabwe, including placer gold mining and heap leaching. Their operational results varied significantly due to differences in geology, water conditions, management, and external factors.
Project Summaries
- Mazowe Placer Gold Project (2019)
Main Issue: Water shortage
The project was located in a modern riverbed placer gold deposit surrounded by orange plantations, which limited access to surface water.
Measures Taken
Groundwater wells producing about 10 m³/h each
Temporary ponds excavated in the riverbed
Additional washing stages to handle muddy recycled water
Ore Conditions
Surface soil: ~3 m
Pay layer: ~1.5 m
Width: 60–80 m
Grade: 0.3–0.6 g/m³
Operation Result
Water shortages and poor water quality reduced efficiency. Processing capacity was limited to about 500–600 m³ per shift, despite acceptable ore grades.
- Rusambo Placer Gold Project (2020)
Main Issue: Complex geology and low grade
The deposit consisted of discontinuous “chicken coop” style mineralization. Thick sand layers and high water content caused frequent collapses during mining, increasing costs.
Outcome
The project was stopped due to continuous losses.
Key Reasons
Inadequate exploration
Poor understanding of ore distribution
Early production without sufficient geological data
- Bulawayo Placer Gold Project (2021)
Main Issue: Administrative interference
The project operated with government involvement and was frequently affected by inspections and work stoppages.
Ore Conditions
Floodplain placer deposit
Topsoil: 2–6 m
Pay layer: 1.5–3 m
Grade: 0.15–0.3 g/m³
Operation Result
Daily capacity: 2,800–3,600 m³
Overall profitable, but earnings were lower than expected due to interruptions
- Kwekwe Heap Leaching Project (2023)
Main Issues: Construction timing and weak early management
Construction started during the rainy season, increasing difficulty and costs. Laboratory development lagged, leading to incorrect early grade estimates.
Ore Conditions
Multiple veins, total width up to 6 m
Individual veins: 0.5–2 m
Upper layer grade: ~0.2 g/t
Operation Result
Direct gold heap leaching due to high oxidation
Early heaps: 20,000–30,000 t per batch
Later heaps: ~50,000 t per batch
Recovery rate: ~75%
Losses occurred in the first heap. Profitability improved after operational adjustments.
Key Takeaways
Exploration comes first: Poor geological understanding led directly to losses at Rusambo.
Water control is critical: Mazowe showed that water supply and quality limit placer gold output.
External risks affect profits: Administrative interference reduced returns at Bulawayo.
Good planning reduces losses: Rainy-season construction and delayed laboratories hurt early results at Kwekwe.
Risk-based cost control matters: Early assessment of geology and construction challenges helps avoid unnecessary expenses.
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