Why Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe is open for business, and Kavango Resources is among the first to act on the opportunity.

Zimbabwe offers one of the world’s most compelling frontiers for gold exploration. It combines excellent, underexplored geology, supportive infrastructure, a favourable regulatory framework, skilled workforce, and growing institutional interest. For companies that use modern technology to drive a long-term investment strategy, Zimbabwe presents a rare chance to lead a new wave of large-scale metal discoveries.

Untapped Gold Potential

Zimbabwe has a long history of gold production and small-scale mining. But for over 25 years, its goldfields have been chronically underexplored and underfunded. Widespread, modern exploration has never taken place, despite the country’s rich minerals endowment.

The opportunity remains significant. Geological research (especially the work of Campbell and Pitfield (1994)) suggests gold in Zimbabwe follows a fractal pattern. This points to the potential for multiple new discoveries of large deposits across the country, and even the possible presence of a 30 million ounce deposit similar in style to the Kalgoorlie super-pit.

Kavango aims to unlock this potential in its areas of operation, using the latest exploration technologies. We are applying geophysics, structural geology, mechanised drilling, and digital modelling to explore Zimbabwe’s goldfields to the highest international standards.

Similarities between Australia and Zimbabwe’s geology

Kavango’s focus on Zimbabwe is built on detailed scientific research. Paleogeographic reconstruction shows that around 2.6 billion years ago, the Zimbabwe Craton and Australia’s Yilgarn Craton were likely part of the same Archean Supercraton (known as the Zimgarn Craton).

The Zimbabwe Craton and Australia’s Yilgarn Craton were once joined, and share a very similar geology.

These two cratons share striking geological similarities, hosting the same tectonic histories, geological settings, and granite-greenstone lithostratigraphy.

This means the 22 Archaean greenstone belts across Zimbabwe offer the same geological conditions underpinning Western Australia’s vast gold industry. Unlike Western Australia, though, Zimbabwe has yet to undergo modern large-scale mining – either open-pit or underground. For various historical reasons, this development never happened. The result is a first-mover advantage for companies like Kavango.

Zimbabwe Craton
GD = Great Dyke 2575 Ma
SD = Sebanga Poort dyke swarm 2512 Ma, 2470 Ma, 2408 Ma

Yilgarn Craton
YD = Yandinilling dykes 2615 Ma
WD, BD, JD = Widgiemooltha/Eraynia dyke swarm, Binneringie and Jimberlana dykes 2408-2401 Ma

Favourable Ownership Rights

Geology aside, one of Zimbabwe’s greatest kept secrets is the legal ownership structure most commonly used to secure projects.

Gold mining “claims” are 10 hectare blocks that effectively represent fully permitted, small mining licences. Gold claims are held in perpetuity through production, with no minimum spend requirement. Claims are renewed annually, and inspection and renewal fees are modest.

Most gold projects in Zimbabwe are built from clusters of contiguous gold claims, making it possible to move from exploration to commercial mining in as little as two to three years.

A Supportive Business Environment

Zimbabwe is also continuing to improve its climate for foreign investment. The government’s “Open for Business” policy has created real momentum, with institutions actively supporting responsible operators.

The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) plays a key role. It streamlines approvals and offers protection for foreign investors. Combined with Reserve Bank permissions, a ZIDA licence enables repatriation of up to 70% of working capital, exempt from exchange controls.

Investment is supported by a sophisticated local finance market. There is clear appetite among Zimbabwean institutions to fund credible, listed mining ventures with active local operations.

Zimbabwe also has a well-established legal framework for dividends. It has been in place since the 1950s, giving foreign shareholders long-term security. Caledonia Mining (LSE:CMCL) has used this framework to pay regular quarterly dividends for more than ten years.
Zimbabwe ranks among Africa’s most educated nations, with one of the highest literacy rates on the continent. The nation has a deep pool of mining talent, drawn from decades of operational experience. Kavango benefits greatly from this. Our in-country teams employ highly capable Zimbabwean geologists, drillers, and engineers who contribute local insight and strong technical skills.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s infrastructure is workable and cost-efficient. The country has a road network providing easy access to most gold belts. Power and water are available at a low-cost compared with other frontier markets.

A Rare and Valuable Opportunity

Zimbabwe offers a rare combination of conditions for commercial success, from exploration through to mining.

The country’s geology mirrors one of the most productive gold regions in the world. Its mining laws are clear and supportive. Its workforce is highly skilled. And most importantly, its goldfields remain underexplored.

Kavango Resources is committed to leading a new wave of discovery in Zimbabwe, bringing technology, investment, and responsible development to one of Africa’s most promising jurisdictions.