Zimbabwe’s Reserve Bank and the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe put 2025 mining exports at about US$7.3 billion, while residents near platinum operations told Al Jazeera that roads, schools and water services remain concerns.
The Reserve Bank’s 2026 monetary policy statement records US$7,307.5 million in mining exports, a 34.5% increase from 2024. It lists US$4,381.3 million from gold and US$1,612.7 million from platinum. The Chamber’s annual report says gold made up 60% of mineral exports and platinum-group metals 22%, with higher prices for both helping lift receipts.
Other published estimates are higher. A separate Chamber economic review puts 2025 exports at about US$8.2 billion, while Al Jazeera and Mining Zimbabwe attributed an US$8.5 billion figure to then-Chamber president John Musekiwa. The sources do not explain the differences.
In Turf and nearby communities, Al Jazeera reported residents’ concerns about roads, schools and water. Ward 3 Councillor Emmah Chikwai said children from four villages walk 15 to 25 kilometers to Musinambi Secondary School. The outlet also reported residents’ allegation that sewage from mining areas had entered the Ngwazani River. Resident Agnes Handidikundiona told Al Jazeera, “The water is no longer clean.”
Zimplats’ 2025 Integrated Annual Report lists US$460,874 in community social investment for the year ended June 30, 2025, down from US$950,890 in FY2024. The company said market conditions prompted a temporary pause in a STEM learning program. Al Jazeera reported that Unki Mines public relations manager Evelyn Mawimba said the mine averaged US$1.5 million a year in community development spending over the prior five years, built 63 boreholes and supported 32 schools.
The Chamber’s annual report put its 2026 forecast for mineral export earnings above US$8 billion. The export figures and company spending disclosures do not quantify what portion of mining revenue, taxes or royalties reached the communities described by Al Jazeera.
