Zimbabwe Gold Scandal: Fidelity Refineries Invest in XRF Machines Amid Tungsten Fraud Allegations

Fidelity Gold Refineries laboratory equipment Zimbabwe

Government-owned Fidelity Gold Refineries (FGR) has reportedly moved to strengthen gold verification systems after suspected cases of tungsten-infused gold in Zimbabwe surfaced, raising alarm over potential losses to national revenue. According to reports by NewZimbabwe, the refinery has begun acquiring X-ray fluorescence (XRF) machines, each costing at least US$10,000, to detect manipulated gold deliveries allegedly linked to some miners operating in the country.

Sources familiar with developments at FGR claim that certain miners, including some Chinese operators, have been mixing tungsten with gold to artificially increase weight and perceived purity.

“Some identified miners are buying tungsten deposits specifically to add to gold deliveries and increase weight. This is criminal and affects government coffers,” a source said.

Tungsten has a density similar to gold, making it a known tool in global gold fraud schemes. Experts in mineral processing say this makes tungsten gold fraud detection in Zimbabwe particularly challenging without advanced equipment.

The newly acquired XRF machines in the Zimbabwe mining sector will allow Fidelity to analyse the composition of gold deliveries more accurately. These devices are widely used in the mining industry to identify and quantify mineral content, helping detect impurities or deliberate tampering.

Reports suggest that some suspicious deliveries contained as little as 30% actual gold, significantly below acceptable standards. Mining analyst John Robertson said the move was necessary:

“Without proper verification systems, the country risks losing millions through under-declared or manipulated gold deliveries. Technology like XRF is essential for transparency.”

Henrietta Rushwaya, president of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), has called on authorities to take decisive action.

“It is high time state security agents arrest unscrupulous individuals and companies involved in criminal activities. These minerals must benefit Zimbabweans,” Rushwaya said.

She warned that failure to act could result in continued mineral revenue leakages in Zimbabwe’s gold sector, undermining the country’s economy.

The allegations come amid broader scrutiny of some mining operations across the country. Previous reports by NewZimbabwe have linked certain operators to activities in protected and sensitive areas, including parts of Mavhuradonha Wilderness and the Haroni forests in Chimanimani. Despite these concerns, there has been limited public confirmation of arrests or formal investigations as of 26 March 2026.

The Fidelity Gold Refineries XRF investment signals a broader push to tighten controls in Zimbabwe’s gold value chain. As gold remains one of the country’s top foreign currency earners, ensuring integrity in production and delivery is critical. Analysts say sustained enforcement, combined with technology, will be key to combating gold smuggling and mineral fraud in Zimbabwe and restoring confidence in the sector.

tungsten gold Zimbabwe, Fidelity Gold Refineries XRF machines