Johnson Progress

Zimbabwe’s gold deliveries have surged 37% to 32.98 tonnes in the first nine months of 2025, up from 24.2 tonnes last year, according to Fidelity Gold Refinery.

The country is now firmly on track to meet its 40-tonne annual target, a key milestone under the Second Republic’s mining growth strategy.

Small-scale miners have driven the boom, contributing 24.5 tonnes nearly 75% of total output.

This significant increase is a testament to the sector’s potential and the government’s efforts to support small-scale miners.

“The collaboration between Zimbabwe’s Miners’ Federation and the Government is yielding positive results in formalising artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations,” said Wellington Takavarasha, CEO of the Zimbabwe Miners’ Federation.

In contrast, large-scale miners delivered 8.54 tonnes, slightly down from last year.

Despite this decline, the overall gold production in the country has been boosted by the small-scale miners’ output.

The rally in gold prices coincides with record global gold prices surpassing US$4,000/oz, boosting Zimbabwe’s foreign currency reserves and strengthening the ZiG currency, which is backed by gold and other minerals.

The surge reaffirms President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 drive for self-sufficiency and economic resilience through value addition and beneficiation in the mining sector.

September recorded the year’s peak at 4.4 tonnes, highlighting the sector’s potential to generate significant revenue for the country.

The gold sector is a crucial pillar of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign currency earnings.

The government’s efforts to support the mining sector are paying off, with the sector showing resilience and growth.

The prompt payment system implemented by Fidelity Gold Refinery has also boosted gold production in the country.

“Fidelity’s spot payment system has significantly boosted gold production in the country by providing timely payments to miners,” said an observer.

With the country on track to meet its 40-tonne target, the gold sector is expected to continue contributing significantly to Zimbabwe’s economy.