Zimbabwe Licenses Second Gold Refinery in Bulawayo as Production Targets 50 Tons in 2026
Zimbabwe has approved the establishment of a second gold refinery to process and handle the country’s growing gold production, according to government officials familiar with the development.
The new facility will be located in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, and is expected to be commissioned next year.
Officials, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the project is aimed at expanding national refining capacity as output continues to rise.
Expanding Refining Capacity
Currently, all of Zimbabwe’s gold is processed and sold through the state-owned Fidelity Gold Refinery. However, officials indicated that the existing facility may no longer be sufficient to handle the country’s projected production increases in the coming years.
Zimbabwe is targeting gold output of 50 tonnes in 2026, up from a record 46.7 tonnes recorded in the previous year, reflecting continued growth in the mining sector.
New Investment Still Undisclosed
The identity of the investors behind the new refinery has not yet been disclosed. Authorities said details will only be made public once the facility is officially commissioned.
A representative from the Ministry of Mines declined to comment on the project when contacted.
Strengthening the Gold Sector
The development is part of broader efforts by Zimbabwe to strengthen its gold value chain, improve processing capacity, and support rising production levels.
The additional refinery is expected to reduce pressure on existing infrastructure while enhancing efficiency in the national gold marketing system.
If completed as planned, the Bulawayo refinery will mark a significant expansion of Zimbabwe’s mineral processing capacity and reinforce the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading gold producers.
