ZMF, a Chinese firm, seals Ball Mine deal to end illegal mining in Mutawatawa

Artisanal miners working

HARARE, ZIMBABWE – The Zimbabwe Miners Federation has entered into a joint venture with Chinese investor Anhua Chenxi Mining to formalise operations at Ball Mine in Mutawatawa, ending years of conflict and illegal mining activity. The partnership, structured through ZMF’s special purpose vehicle FS Mining, has resulted in the formation of a new entity, RR Mining, aimed at restoring order and boosting gold production at the troubled site.

ZMF president Henrietta Rushwaya said the agreement marks a turning point after years of uncontrolled operations dominated by illegal miners.

“What was important was to cease operations and create formalisation and professionalisation. We need to understand the needs of the miners and bring everyone under one roof—mining, processing, and selling,” Rushwaya said.

Under the deal, Anhua Chenxi Mining holds the tribute agreement covering 430 hectares across 11 mining blocks, while ZMF, through FS Mining, is responsible for formalisation and community integration.

Authorities have launched a large-scale registration exercise for artisanal miners, with about 400 already registered against a target of 1,000. Traditional leaders under Chief Chipfungwe are overseeing the register, which is also being shared with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to enhance security and accountability. Miners operating at the site have agreed to sell all ore exclusively to RR Mining, a move expected to curb gold leakages and improve transparency in the supply chain.

“We need to put our miners under one roof… that will bring the sanity we have been seeking,” Rushwaya added.

The first batch of mining equipment already delivered includes 20 small crushers, 10 centrifuges, generators, air compressors, and drilling rigs. Trial operations are scheduled for March 20–26, with full-scale production expected by late June or early July following the arrival of a second shipment from China, including an additional 100 crushers and several round mills. At peak output, the mine previously produced an estimated 3kg of gold per day, valued at nearly US$500,000, though most of it was lost to illegal trade networks.

To improve oversight, a satellite office of Fidelity Gold Refinery will be established on-site, alongside a permanent police post to monitor operations and prevent smuggling. ZMF has also begun community support initiatives, including drilling a borehole at Mungari Primary School to serve nearby communities. Women are expected to benefit from the project through opportunities in food production and the supply of mining consumables.

The Ball Mine initiative comes as Zimbabwe targets over 50 tonnes of gold production this year, with artisanal and small-scale miners already contributing more than half of national deliveries. Mining analysts say the Mutawatawa model could serve as a blueprint for formalising other artisanal mining hotspots across the country.

“This kind of structured approach combining regulation, investment, and community involvement can significantly reduce leakages and improve national gold earnings,” said a Harare-based mining expert.

ZMF Anhua Chenxi Mining partnership