Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
REDWING Mine, a gold operation owned by NASDAQ-listed Namib Minerals, has successfully reconnected to the national electricity grid, marking a significant milestone in the phased restart of one of Zimbabwe’s historic gold mining assets.
The development is expected to accelerate critical mine rehabilitation activities, particularly dewatering operations, while laying the foundation for expanded community development programmes in Penhalonga and surrounding areas.
The restoration of grid electricity follows an investment in power infrastructure undertaken in partnership with the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC).
According to Namib Minerals, the project involved the installation of new power lines, a substation and a transformer to ensure a reliable electricity supply to the mine.
“In collaboration with the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), Redwing has successfully installed power lines at the mine and commissioned a new substation along with a transformer.
“ZETDC’s commercial team was also on site during the commissioning, ensuring a smooth transition,” the company said.
The return of grid power comes at a crucial stage of Redwing Mine’s revival programme, with dewatering remaining one of the key requirements before underground mining operations can resume.
The mine has been undertaking extensive pumping activities to remove water that accumulated in underground workings during the period when operations were inactive.
Namib Minerals said the availability of grid electricity would significantly enhance pumping efficiency and support faster progress towards reopening the mine.
The company noted that four additional submersible pumps have now been connected to the grid, substantially increasing dewatering capacity.
Since dewatering began at the end of January, one million cubic metres of water have been removed from the mine, the company said.
The enhanced infrastructure has enabled pumping rates to increase to 1 400 cubic metres per hour, representing a major improvement in operational efficiency.
Reliable electricity is essential for mining operations, particularly for energy-intensive activities such as dewatering, underground ventilation, ore hoisting and mineral processing.
Beyond mining operations, the investment is also expected to generate wider socio-economic benefits for communities surrounding the mine.
The company said the new power infrastructure would support future community development initiatives and strengthen ongoing efforts to improve local social services.
“The new power infrastructure is expected to further support future community development initiatives. Redwing has already upgraded the local clinic, which provides free basic healthcare services to residents of the surrounding Penhalonga community.
“The company has also acquired a new ambulance to support emergency medical services in the area and is jointly assessing further support initiatives with the community,” said Namib Minerals.
The healthcare interventions form part of the company’s broader commitment to community development as it works towards restoring mining operations and creating long-term value for local stakeholders.
The upgraded clinic is expected to improve access to basic healthcare services for residents, while the new ambulance will strengthen emergency response capacity in Penhalonga and neighbouring communities.
Redwing Mine remains one of Zimbabwe’s notable brownfield gold projects and is viewed as an important asset in the country’s efforts to increase gold output and attract mining investment.
The mine has historically produced approximately 650 000 ounces of gold and possesses substantial remaining mineral resources.
ENDS
