Johnson Progress

Zimbabwe remains on course to meet its projected 50-tonne gold output for 2026, with deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refinery hitting 17 tonnes in the first five months of the year.

Industry officials say the performance reflects strong contributions from small-scale miners, who continue to account for a large share of national production.

The early progress puts the country in line to achieve the annual target if current delivery rates are maintained.

Fidelity Gold Refinery, the sole buyer of gold in Zimbabwe, has recorded consistent inflows since January, signaling improved compliance and increased formal sales from miners across the country.

Zimbabwe Miners Federation Chief Executive Officer Mr Wellington Takavarasha said small-scale operators remain central to the sector’s performance.

He noted that small-scale miners continue to play a key role in driving production growth and contributing significantly to national gold output.

The federation has been working to support small-scale miners through training, safety programs, and efforts to improve access to legal markets.

Takavarasha said these initiatives are helping to formalize more miners and encourage them to sell through Fidelity rather than through unofficial channels.

Zimbabwe has prioritized small-scale gold production in recent years as a way to boost foreign currency earnings and create employment in rural areas.

The 17 tonnes delivered by the end of May suggests the country is building momentum toward the 50-tonne goal set for 2026.

Fidelity Gold Refinery processes all gold produced in Zimbabwe and pays miners in a mix of local currency and foreign exchange.

Its network of buying centers has made it easier for small-scale producers to sell their output legally, which has helped lift recorded deliveries.

Takavarasha said the federation will continue to engage miners on best practices and support efforts to improve recovery rates.

He added that addressing challenges such as access to finance and the adoption of safer, mercury-free processing methods will be important for sustaining growth through the rest of the year.

Gold is Zimbabwe’s leading mineral export earner, and higher output supports foreign currency inflows needed for imports and debt servicing.

The government has set the 50-tonne target as part of broader efforts to increase mineral revenues and stabilize the economy.

To reach 50 tonnes, Zimbabwe will need to maintain an average monthly delivery rate of about 6.6 tonnes over the remaining seven months of the year.

The 17 tonnes delivered in the first five months indicates the country is tracking close to the required pace.

Small-scale miners now account for a significant portion of Zimbabwe’s gold output.

Industry data shows that this subsector often surpasses production from large mines, making support for small-scale operators critical to meeting national targets.

Takavarasha emphasized that the federation is working with authorities to ensure miners operate in a regulated and safe environment.

He said better regulation and incentives will encourage more miners to sell through official channels and reduce losses to smuggling.

Zimbabwe has been implementing measures to curb gold smuggling and increase formal deliveries.

The combination of expanded buying infrastructure and support for small-scale miners has contributed to the rise in recorded output in the first half of 2026.

If deliveries continue at the current rate, Zimbabwe is likely to meet or exceed its 50-tonne target for the year.

The performance so far signals progress for the mining sector and for the country’s economic goals tied to mineral production and export earnings.