MMCZ weathers global market volatility … closes Q3 strong

HARARE, Zimbabwe, Nov 14, 2025 – Zimbabwe’s exclusive minerals marketing agency for all minerals, except silver and gold, today provided an operational update, including production summary for Quarter 3, 2025. The Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) has reported a strong third-quarter 2025 performance, achieving significant growth in both mineral sales volumes and export earnings despite a challenging operating environment characterised by high energy costs, logistics bottlenecks and soft global commodity prices. In its Q3 2025 Trading Update presented at the Corporation’s 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Harare, MMCZ General Manager Dr. Nomusa Jane Moyo said the positive results reflect resilience in Zimbabwe’s mining sector and the effectiveness of targeted marketing strategies. Robust Sales Performance In the nine months to September 2025, mineral sales reached 3.66 million metric tonnes valued at US$2.36 billion. In terms of volume, this was a 14% surge from 3.36 million metric tonnes recorded for the same period in 2024. For value terms, a marginal 0.66% improvement was seen on prior year comparable period. The growth was driven by strong performance in Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), chrome, ferroalloys, lithium, pollucite and coal, offsetting weaker returns in diamonds and steel due to subdued global prices. Sector Highlights • Platinum Group Metals (PGMs): Production remained steady across Zimplats, Mimosa and Unki, with continued strong exports of matte and concentrate. • Lithium: Output continued to surge at Bikita, Sabi Star, PLZ, Kamativi and Gwanda operations. PLZ’s lithium sulphate plant is nearing completion, marking progress in downstream value addition. • Coal and Coke: Output remained stable, though exports slowed following reduced uptake by South Africa’s ArcelorMittal. Zhong Jin Heli’s 100MW coal-gas power project was commissioned during the quarter. • Chrome: African Chrome Fields (ACF) led exports at 24,000 tonnes. Efforts are underway to formalise unregistered processors to curb mineral leakages. • Antimony: Mapping and verification of new producers in Mberengwa and Midlands are ongoing as part of the Corporation’s mineral accounting and compliance drive. Strategic Projects and Initiatives • Weighbridges: Rutenga is operational; Harare construction is ongoing ahead of Gweru and Zvishavane installations. • PGM Projects: Karo Resources is on track for 2026 production start-up, while Todal, Bravura and Great Dyke Investments are advancing feasibility and exploration works. • Monitoring & Compliance: Border inspection teams have been deployed to Forbes and Beitbridge to strengthen anti-smuggling efforts and tighten export monitoring. Market Outlook Global platinum prices are expected to remain firm, buoyed by safe-haven investment demand and industrial use, while the diamond market continues to adjust to soft demand and competition from lab-grown stones. Granite exports are projected to grow moderately (1.9–2.4% annually) on the back of regional construction activity. Domestically, MMCZ will continue focusing on value addition, contract realignment for PGMs and enhanced supply prioritisation for local smelters, in line with the Government’s Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). Outlook Dr. Moyo noted that MMCZ remains confident of closing the year with solid results despite price volatility and logistical challenges. “Our third-quarter performance underscores the Corporation’s resilience and its strategic focus on beneficiation, transparency and sustainable mineral trade. MMCZ continues to position Zimbabwe as a competitive and responsible player in global mineral markets,” she said.