Freda Rebecca attains global lab accreditation
KUDAKWASHE CHIBVURI
Freda Rebecca Gold Mine has become the first mining operation in Zimbabwe to secure internationally recognised laboratory accreditation, strengthening confidence in the reliability of its gold testing systems.
The mine, which operates under Mutapa Gold Resources, attained ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS), placing its laboratory among a select group of facilities that meet globally accepted standards for technical competence, precision and quality management.
Mutapa Gold Resources Chief Executive Officer Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya said the certification underscored the group’s commitment to building world-class, data-driven mining operations anchored on internationally recognised standards.
“For a gold mining operation like ours, this is highly significant,” Maseva-Shayawabaya.
“ Assay results are not just numbers on a report. They inform exploration decisions, guide resource evaluation, influence grade control, support mining planning and determine plant performance.”
He said the accreditation demonstrates that the laboratory’s systems, equipment, methods and quality assurance processes meet rigorous international requirements.
“Accuracy is not optional. Precision is not a luxury. Reliability is central to the way we mine, process, account for and sell gold. This accreditation affirms that our laboratory systems, people, equipment, methods and quality assurance framework have been rigorously assessed and found to meet international expectations.”
“Reliable internal testing will reduce delays associated with repeated testing, uncertainty and disputes over results. Faster and more reliable data supports quicker decision-making. With the aggressive exploration drive that we are on, this certification will enable us to better manage and reduce our exploration costs.”
He said the milestone also strengthens investor confidence and enhances the credibility of Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
“Accreditation of laboratories within the mining industry is not only good for individual companies, but also for national projects, investor confidence and the credibility of the sector. We are building disciplined, data-driven, internationally credible mining operations.”
Maseva-Shayawabaya said Mutapa Gold Resources plans to replicate the achievement across its operations, with laboratories at Shamva and Jena gold mines expected to attain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation within the next three years as the company standardises world-class laboratory systems across its mining portfolio.
Freda Rebecca Gold Mine General Manager Professor Alfred Chinyere said the company has approved a US$2.2m investment to construct a new state-of-the-art laboratory, with construction already underway and commissioning expected within five months.
He said the facility will be equipped with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) capable of providing real-time analytical results while strengthening confidence in laboratory processes and gold accounting.
“The new laboratory will provide real-time results and increase confidence among our internal customers. Gold is a precious mineral and you want gold accounting to be very accurate. What goes through the plant must be correctly accounted for, without complaints, shortages or unexplained surpluses.”
