Vusumuzi Dube
Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Business Writer
Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mutapa Investment Fund, has issued a tender for the construction of gold collection centres.
FGR currently operates 17 gold-buying centres strategically positioned across all mining provinces in Zimbabwe.
In a notice, the company announced its intention to engage reputable and well-established construction firms with relevant industry experience.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday.
The government has identified gold collection centres as a key intervention to address challenges faced by small-scale miners, particularly the lack of machinery and technical expertise in modern mining methods.
As outlined in the 2025 National Budget statement, Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube said this initiative will be financed through a partnership between the government and the private sector.
To enhance accessibility and security, FGR has decentralised its gold-buying operations from Harare to all gold-producing regions.
The move reduces the risks associated with transporting gold over long distances.
Additionally, the company has appointed Gold Buying Agents to facilitate the collection of gold from remote areas, including artisanal miners.
The gold sector plays a critical role in Zimbabwe’s economy, with small-scale miners contributing approximately 60 percent of total gold receipts.
This has necessitated continuous efforts to support their production. Gold, alongside Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), remains one of Zimbabwe’s top foreign currency earners, accounting for more than half of the country’s annual export revenues.
Recently, gold prices surged by 13.6 percent, surpassing the US$3 000-per-ounce mark and setting a new all-time high.
The rally has been driven by geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty, which have fueled increased investment in safe-haven assets.
Online Reporter