Makoni announces renewed focus on North Hill as mine looks to the next century
Mimosa Platinum Mine on Thursday night celebrated a historic milestone — 100 years of platinum mining in Zimbabwe — with Managing Director Fungai Makoni and General Manager Stephen Ndiyamba paying tribute to the pioneers, partners, communities and employees who shaped the operation into one of the country’s leading mining assets.
Speaking at the centenary celebrations, Makoni said the event was “a profound moment of history” for the mine, describing the celebration as more than a dinner, but “an opportunity to honour a legacy.”
“We officially launch the Mimosa centenary celebration — 100 years of platinum mining in Zimbabwe,” he said. “For a century, Mimosa has been more than a mine. It has been a story of resilience, partnership and progress. And you, our stakeholders, are the authors of that story.”
A Journey That Began in 1925
Makoni traced Mimosa’s roots to 1925, when the Granger brothers produced the first 67 ounces of platinum in Zimbabwe, a discovery that ignited the country’s PGM industry. Though their operation closed in 1928, their pioneering spirit set the foundation for future generations.
The story advanced in 1962 when Union Carbide took over the claims, carrying out extensive exploration and trial mining throughout the 1960s and 70s. The modern era of Mimosa began in 1992 after ZIMASCO acquired the claims, followed by the scale-up of the pilot plant in the late 1990s.
A major transformation came in 2002 when Implats and Aquarius jointly bought into the mine, unlocking capital that drove rapid growth between 2003 and 2016. “In that period, we nearly doubled monthly output and introduced mechanized mining to enhance safety and productivity,” Makoni said.
The partnership evolved further in 2016 when Sibanye-Stillwater replaced Aquarius as Implats’ partner. In recent years, Mimosa has expanded its asset base, securing the Wedza West claims and commissioning a new tailings storage facility to support future operations.
Honouring the People Behind the Mine
Makoni paid tribute to individuals who shaped Mimosa’s success over the decades. These included turnaround specialist Peter Breeze, who stabilized the mine in the mid-1990s, and Stuart Murray, whose vision drove Implats and Aquarius to invest in Zimbabwe’s PGM potential.
He also acknowledged past leadership from Alex Mhembere and current Mines Minister Winston Chitando, who both played key roles in building the mine’s operational and financial backbone.
However, Makoni reserved a solemn moment to remember workers lost in mining accidents over the years. “Mining is a hazardous business, and despite our commitment to zero harm, we have lost friends and colleagues. Their contributions are woven into the fabric of Mimosa. They will never be forgotten,” he said.
Future Outlook: Eyes on North Hill
Makoni said the centenary marks not an end but a new phase of growth.
“With excitement and confidence, we look to the future — and our gaze turns, ironically, to where it all began: North Hill,” he said. The deposit, one of four within Mimosa’s portfolio, is expected to play a key role in ensuring long-term sustainability.
“We will continue to deliver value to shareholders, government, business partners, local communities and our employees,” he added.
GM: A Century of Partnership and Progress
General Manager Stephen Ndiyamba echoed the MD’s sentiments, describing the evening as a moment of gratitude.
“Hundred years is a significant span in the life of any institution, and it is a milestone we are immensely proud of,” Ndiyamba said. “Tonight is not just a dinner. It is a heartfelt thank you — a chance to reflect and express our deepest gratitude for the partnership and support that has brought us this far.”
About Mimosa
Located in the Wedza sub-chamber of the Great Dyke, Mimosa is a mechanized bord-and-pillar operation producing about 2.9 million tonnes of ore per year, yielding approximately 238,000 ounces of PGMs. The mine adheres to global standards including ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001, ensuring safe, environmentally responsible and energy-efficient operations.
Over the past decade, Mimosa has also invested heavily in community development — from livestock revitalization initiatives to environmental conservation, local enterprise support and infrastructure.
A Century Marked — A Future Unfolding
As the mine enters its second century, Makoni said Mimosa remains anchored in its founding values: resilience, partnership and progress.
“This centenary is not a finish line — it’s a milestone,” he said. “We look forward to achieving even greater heights as we move together into the future.”
