Freda Rebecca Mine Unveils Key Development Initiatives

Freda Rebecca Gold Mine launches US$3M water pipeline, 6 MW solar plant, US$7M exploration programme, and safety upgrades to boost Bindura communities and mining operations (image source)

Lead: Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, owned by Kuvimba Mining House, has launched a series of community and sustainability projects in Bindura, aiming to resolve chronic water shortages, boost renewable energy use, extend mine life, and enhance underground safety. Announced during a media tour by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo, the projects include a US$3 million Masembura Pipeline Project, a 6 MW solar power plant, a US$7 million exploration programme, and advanced remote loading systems.

Key development initiatives:

• Masembura Pipeline Project: A 22 km glass-reinforced pipeline drawing 700 m³/hour from Masembura Dam to serve both the mine and Bindura Town. Funded jointly by Freda Rebecca (60%) and Bindura Municipality (40%), the US$3 million infrastructure includes a 500 m³ balancing tank and an 800 kVA standby generator to ensure uninterrupted water supply.

“This pipeline is more than infrastructure; it’s a lifeline for Bindura residents and industry,” Minister Magomo said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

• 6 MW Solar Power Plant: Set for commissioning by June 2025, under an offtake agreement with an independent power producer, the installation will meet about 30% of the mine’s 20 MW demand, reducing diesel and grid reliance and lowering carbon emissions.

• Exploration Programme: A US$7 million programme targeting 37,000 m of drilling at Freda Rebecca, Jena, and Shamva mines aims to secure a minimum 10-year mine life and uncover up to 40 million tonnes of ore, representing nearly 2 million ounces of gold.

• Safety Upgrades: Advanced remote loading and charging systems will minimise underground exposure to blasting risks and reduce ground-fall incidents, enhancing worker safety across the gold cluster.
  

Production targets: Freda Rebecca is expected to contribute roughly 2,548 kg of gold, or 70% of Kuvimba’s projected 3,600 kg output for the financial year ending March 2026—a 12.5% rise from the previous year driven by improved ore grades and plant efficiencies.

Background: These initiatives align with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1, which prioritise resilient infrastructure, renewable energy adoption, and inclusive growth. Devolution policies support public–private partnerships to expand service delivery beyond Harare, while the mining sector’s role in foreign currency generation underscores the importance of stable utilities and sustainable operations.

Looking Ahead: Performance metrics for the pipeline and solar plant will be monitored closely, with plans to extend mobile water units to neighbouring districts and explore battery storage integration post-2025. The exploration programme will enter its next drilling phase early next year, and further automation in mining processes is under evaluation. Observers will assess whether these integrated projects set a new benchmark for community-focused mining in Zimbabwe.