Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
A HIGH-STAKES takeover of Redwing Mine by NASDAQ-listed Namib Minerals – is charging towards an early 2027 production restart – a move set to breathe fresh life into Penhalonga’s scarred landscape and unleash vital economic opportunities across Manicaland.
The mine’s revival stands as a cornerstone project under the Manicaland Provincial Development Committee’s growth strategy, which aims to reinforce the provincial economy, and establish Mutare as a regional commercial and logistics hub.
Historically, Redwing is a brownfield gold project that has produced roughly 650 000 ounces of gold.
The recent corporate acquisition has already enabled the reconnection of the mine to grid electricity, a move expected to transform the ravaged Penhalonga area and create thousands of formal jobs for locals, including artisanal miners.
A visit to the Penhalonga revealed that tangible optimism has returned to residents in surrounding communities, including Liverpool, Redwing, Old West, Tsvingwe, New Stands, Crawford, Caravan, Doreen, and Managers Hill.
In its half-year results, Namib Minerals confirmed that initial production scheduled for early 2027 will operate above minimum operating thresholds.
“First production at Redwing is targeted no later than January 2027, at an initial reduced capacity and at a rate above the prescribed thresholds,” the company’s report stated, while highlighting substantial progress in the restart programme for the mine.
Dewatering, a critical milestone towards reopening the site, reached completion in September after water levels were lowered sufficiently to grant safe access to underground workings. This allowed teams to conduct underground mapping, sampling, and geotechnical assessments.
The restart programme also encompasses the refurbishment of the processing plant, re-equipping underground mining zones, and mobilising the workforce.
Beyond direct mining jobs, increased operational activity is projected to spur local suppliers and businesses across Penhalonga and Mutare, directly supporting provincial economic goals.
Redwing possesses a long history as one of Penhalonga’s primary mining operations, and its return to full production marks the revitalisation of an established mining centre that historically anchored the local economy.
The initiative aligns with the national drive to scale up gold production and enhance mining’s contribution to national growth, as Government targets 55.6 tonnes of gold output in 2026.
The revival of Redwing Mine forms part of Namib Minerals’ broader investment strategy in Zimbabwe, which includes the ongoing expansion of How Mine alongside the planned resumption of operations at Redwing and Mazowe.
The investment programme is slated to expand mineral production while opening opportunities for local businesses, contractors, and workers throughout the mining value chain.
Chief Senator James Kurauone Mutasa said the incoming investor has provided the community with clear reason to expect economic recovery.
“Better days are beckoning for the Penhalonga community. Finally, we will be witnessing organised gold mining, which is for the good of the community. Things that we agreed on with them include the need to employ locals as well as catering for the artisanal miners operating in the area already. They also agreed with our plea for meaningful restoration of environmental dignity in the area. It is unfortunate that most people talk of Mutare River, yet there are a number of tributaries that need rehabilitation. Some communities are already benefiting after years without electricity in their homes. These are homes in surrounding communities where former employees of the mine are living,” he said.
Redwing to unlock new economic opportunities
