MARTIN MAWAYA
SHURUGWI-Chenxi Investments plans to build one of the biggest carbon-in-pulp (CIP) gold processing plants in Midlands Province, a move that could expand domestic mineral processing capacity, improve gold recovery and create thousands of jobs as the country pushes to increase value addition in the mining sector.
The proposed plant, with capacity to process between 3,000 and 4,000 tonnes of gold ore a day, would reduce reliance on smaller processing facilities, provide a market for ore from surrounding mines and small-scale producers as well as strengthening Zimbabwe’s efforts to retain more value from its gold resources before export.
The investment comes as Zimbabwe seeks to increase mineral beneficiation under its National Development Strategy and Vision 2030, with mining accounting for more than three quarters of the country’s export earnings.
Gold remains Zimbabwe’s single largest foreign currency earner, driven by both large-scale producers and the artisanal and small-scale mining sector.
Chenxi Investments director Simon Karimanzira said the project represented the company’s next phase of growth after expanding from one mining operation in 2022 to six sites employing about 1,800 workers.
“The proposed plant is expected to process between 3,000 and 4,000 tonnes of ore per day, expanding processing capacity, improving gold recovery and supporting mineral value addition,” Karimanzira said.
Carbon-in-pulp is one of the world’s most widely used technologies for recovering gold from ore. After the ore is crushed and milled, gold is dissolved using a cyanide solution before activated carbon is introduced to absorb the dissolved gold.
The precious metal is then stripped from the carbon and refined into gold bullion.
The technology typically recovers a higher proportion of gold than many traditional processing methods, particularly from lower-grade ores, making previously marginal deposits commercially viable.
Higher recovery rates also reduce the amount of gold left in mine waste, improving overall resource efficiency.
For Zimbabwe, where many artisanal and small-scale miners lack access to modern processing infrastructure, additional CIP capacity could improve ore treatment while encouraging more gold to enter formal marketing channels through Fidelity Gold Refinery, increasing export earnings and government revenue.
Industry analysts say centralised processing plants also allow smaller miners to outsource ore treatment instead of investing in expensive processing equipment, lowering operating costs and potentially improving compliance with environmental and safety standards.
The proposed facility is expected to create up to 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to the company, spanning construction, engineering, transport, maintenance, catering, accommodation and other support services.
For Shurugwi, one of Zimbabwe’s oldest gold mining districts, the project could stimulate broader economic activity by increasing demand for local suppliers, transport operators, engineering firms and other businesses servicing the mining industry.
Midlands Province, already home to major gold, chrome and platinum operations, could also benefit from expanded industrial activity and downstream services linked to mineral processing, strengthening its position as one of Zimbabwe’s mining hubs.
Karimanzira said Chenxi was also preparing for the long term future of its operations, with some open pit mines expected to transition to underground mining, potentially extending mine life by between 15 and 20 years.
The company said it had developed an approximately 11 megawatt solar power facility, expected to be commissioned soon, to support mining operations while reducing dependence on the national grid.
Chenxi added that it would continue engaging government authorities and environmental regulators before construction begins, saying the project would be implemented in line with Zimbabwe’s mining and environmental laws.
Beyond the processing plant, the company said it planned further investments in agriculture, renewable energy, community infrastructure and environmental rehabilitation as part of its broader expansion strategy in Shurugwi.
The investment reflects a broader trend among Zimbabwean miners to expand domestic mineral processing capacity as the country seeks to maximise economic returns from its mineral resources rather than exporting raw materials with limited value addition.
