Published: 4 hours ago

In a dramatic and controversial policy reversal, Zimbabwe's Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has formally endorsed the continued operations of Betterbrands Mining at the Redwing Mine in Penhalonga, a move that contradicts previous Supreme Court rulings and ministry directives declaring the company's presence illegal.

The ministry's change of position was communicated in a letter dated July 11, 2025, signed by permanent secretary Pfungwa Kunaka and addressed to Betterbrands' legal representatives. In it, Kunaka asserts that Betterbrands is "present at Redwing Mine legally" under a "Non-standard tribute agreement" approved by the Mining Affairs Board in January 2021. This stands in stark contrast to the ministry's own position less than a year earlier when, on August 23, 2024, it issued a notice of eviction and cancellation of the same agreement, following a Supreme Court ruling in September 2022 that invalidated all corporate rescue arrangements connected to Redwing Mine.

Redwing Mine, legally owned by Metallon Gold Zimbabwe, has been mired in corporate rescue and legal disputes for several years. The Supreme Court ruling had declared all corporate rescue agreements related to the mine void, effectively rendering Betterbrands' operations illegal. Despite this, Betterbrands continued mining, prompting the ministry's 2024 eviction notice—an order that was ignored. Kunaka's latest letter effectively resurrects a defunct and illegal agreement, drawing criticism for its apparent defiance of the highest court in the land.

The move has sparked alarm among stakeholders and observers, highlighting a growing humanitarian and environmental crisis in Penhalonga. The Centre for Research and Development (CRD) report, Rising Against Impunity: The Power of Accompaniment in Penhalonga's Fight Against Mining Injustice (October 9, 2025), details the implications of the ministry's reversal. The report notes that thousands of unregulated gold processing plants now operate in the valley, including cyanidation tanks and hammer mills, polluting water sources, endangering livestock, damaging crops, and threatening community health.

The controversy comes amid planned investments by Namib Minerals, which intended to inject US$300 million into Redwing and other Metallon mines over three years. Namib Minerals, a Nasdaq-listed company, has stressed its commitment to responsible, compliant operations and legal efforts to end illegal mining at Redwing. Company communications executive Ranga Mberi said Namib has been working with government authorities to restore safe and environmentally compliant operations, noting that the Provincial Mining Directorate had issued a 2024 directive halting unsafe near-surface mining.

Despite assurances from Namib Minerals, government sources acknowledge that the decision to reinstate Betterbrands' operations has already caused significant disruption. Approximately 16,000 residents of Penhalonga have been affected, with the valley's roads and social services collapsing under the weight of informal mining and smuggling syndicates. Officials fear ongoing environmental degradation and potential financial and reputational losses if the company fails to remit revenues from its operations.

Attempts to reach Kunaka and Betterbrands founder Scott Sakupwanya for comment were unsuccessful. Critics argue that the ministry's reversal represents more than administrative confusion, suggesting it signals a breakdown in governance and accountability in one of Zimbabwe's most sensitive and historically significant mining regions.

As legal, environmental, and humanitarian concerns mount, Redwing Mine has become a focal point for debates over corporate governance, state oversight, and responsible mining in Zimbabwe. Stakeholders warn that without decisive intervention, the valley may continue to suffer the consequences of what many describe as a policy reversal with far-reaching and dangerous implications.
- Zimbabwe Independent