The Controversial Resumption of Operations at Redwing Mine
The recent decision by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to allow Betterbrands Mining to continue operations at the Redwing Mine in Penhalonga has sparked widespread controversy. This move, which contradicts previous legal rulings, has been described as a significant setback for both environmental and humanitarian efforts in the region.
A Policy Reversal with Legal Implications
In a dramatic policy reversal, the ministry has officially endorsed the continued operations of Betterbrands Mining, despite the company being declared illegal by both the Supreme Court and the ministry itself. This decision was communicated through a letter dated July 11, 2025, signed by permanent secretary Pfungwa Kunaka and addressed to Betterbrands’ lawyers.
According to the letter, Betterbrands is now operating “legally” under a “Non-standard tribute agreement” approved by the Mining Affairs Board (MAB) in January 2021. This claim stands in stark contrast to the ministry’s own position just over a year earlier, when it issued an “Notice of eviction and cancellation of non-standard tribute agreement” to Betterbrands.
This notice had been based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling from September 2022, which invalidated the corporate rescue process that initially allowed Betterbrands to enter Redwing Mine. Despite this, Betterbrands continued mining without interruption, leading to the 2024 eviction notice, which was also ignored.
The Legal Battle Over Redwing Mine
Redwing Mine, a century-old gold operation, is legally owned by Metallon Gold Zimbabwe, which fell into corporate rescue several years ago. During this period, the MAB approved the “non-standard tribute agreement” that allowed Betterbrands to begin operations in 2021. However, the Supreme Court ruling (SC No. 96/2022) invalidated all corporate rescue agreements related to Redwing, effectively making Betterbrands’ presence illegal.
Despite the court’s ruling, Betterbrands continued its operations, prompting the ministry’s eviction notice. Kunaka’s latest letter, which revives a defunct and illegal tribute agreement, is seen as a direct challenge to the Supreme Court’s authority.
The Human and Environmental Impact
The situation at Redwing Mine has led to a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe in Penhalonga. A new report by the Centre for Research and Development (CRD), titled Rising Against Impunity: The Power of Accompaniment in Penhalonga’s Fight Against Mining Injustice, highlights the severe consequences of the policy reversal.
The report notes that the timing of the letter’s issuance coincided with Betterbrands allegedly being banned from operating on a suspected gold-rich section of the Mutare River, known locally as “the island.” This has raised concerns about the broader implications of the policy change.
Responses from Stakeholders
Metallon Gold Zimbabwe expressed regret over the situation but distanced itself from the chaos at the mine. The company claimed some issues were “beyond its direct control” and stated it was “engaged with the government to reclaim operational control.”
Namib Minerals, Metallon’s new investment partner, defended its record and outlined efforts to restore order at Redwing Mine. Ranga Mberi, a communications executive at Namib Minerals, stated that the mine was placed under corporate rescue in 2020, and this arrangement was lifted in 2022 through a Supreme Court ruling.
Mberi emphasized that the company has taken legal steps to end the illegal occupation of parts of the mine’s lease and is engaging with authorities to ensure safe and compliant operations. He also mentioned that a directive was issued in 2024 to halt unsafe near-surface mining, reinforcing their commitment to responsible practices.
The Broader Consequences
The human and environmental toll of the crisis is staggering. Once a thriving mining town, Penhalonga has descended into chaos, with roads cratered, social services collapsing, and the economy hijacked by informal gold dealers and smuggling syndicates.
The CRD report paints a grim picture of thousands of unregulated gold processing plants, including cyanidation tanks and hammer mills, littering the valley. These operations are polluting water sources, endangering livestock, damaging crops, and compromising community health. Most of these operations are supplied with ore from Betterbrands-controlled areas.
For the 16,000 residents of Penhalonga, this policy reversal represents more than bureaucratic confusion—it is the collapse of justice itself.
