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UK explorer Galileo, while exploring gold, finds ‘bonus’ nickel potential

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HARARE – AIM-traded Galileo Resources plc, which in early August identified multiple gold targets on a permit it is exploring in Zimbabwe, says the same acreage has potential nickel mineralisation too.

The company says the recent airborne geophysical survey undertaken by Xcalibur Airborne Geophysics over its two exploration licences comprising the Bulawayo Gold Project identified three nickel targets, one of which is entirely new and thus that does not appear on the relevant geological map.

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It said there are other areas of nickel interest in addition to the three discoveries.

“An entirely new discovery has also been made, a second magnetic elliptical feature within the same granite which does not appear on the relevant Zimbabwean geological map covering the area. The rocks are interpreted as meta-gabbro and meta-basalt, both suitable nickel hosts,” the company said.

Colin Bird, Galileo chairman and chief executive, said the nickel discovery is a bonus to the company’s gold mission.

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“A review of the geological archive has highlighted potential by referencing Phoenix, Selkirk, Empress, Hunters Road, Epoch, Damba, Mimosa, Trojan and Selukwe among the better-known Zimbabwe and Botswana nickel sulphide deposits associated with greenstone belts, faults, and the Great Dyke,” he said.

“The majority of these deposits are greenstone-hosted deposits found in meta-gabbro rocks similar to the principal targets we have identified in our survey.

“The Shangani mine located closest to our 12.6km long Kenyane nickel target contains an estimated 12Mt of ore at 0.56% Ni and is an integral part of the Bindura Nickel Corporation’s portfolio.

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“We look forward to evaluating the principal targets identified so far together with the other nickel anomalies now in the exploration inventory and will report back to shareholders as work advances.”

Galileo’s potential nickel find confirms what many industry experts say; Zimbabwe has not invested enough in exploration.

The Mining Promotion Corporation, the state agency supposed to lead exploration, has been underfunded.

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According to data from the Ministry of Mines, in 1999, Zimbabwe had over 300 Exclusive Prospecting Orders (EPOs), which allow a company to explore minerals. Last year, Government issued 25 EPOs, the first such issue in years.

“I honestly believe that if more exploration dollars are spent in Zimbabwe, we’ve got the potential to take this gold mining industry from where it is now to closer to 100 tonnes a year,” according to Victor Gapare, whose Bilboes Gold recently agreed a US$53 million deal with Caledonia Moning after extensive exploration that brought up a vast gold resource. – newZwire

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Binga

ZPCS reports 104 HIV-positive inmates across Matabeleland North prisons

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BY STAFF REPORTER

A total of 104 inmates are living with HIV across eight correctional facilities in Matabeleland North, according to data from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.

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The figures, which were first reported by the Chronicle, were presented by ZPCS Assistant Principal Correctional Officer Godknows Ncube during a National Aids Council stakeholder meeting in Bulawayo.

Of the inmates recorded as positive, 98 are aged 25 and older, while six are under the age of 25. The affected facilities include Victoria Falls Prison, Hwange Prison, Ntabazinduna Satellite Prison, Anju Farm Prison, Tsholotsho Prison, Lupane Prison, and Binga Prison .

During the most recent quarter, 144 inmates underwent testing for HIV, resulting in one positive diagnosis .

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While correctional facilities received 900 male condoms, officials reported that no female condoms were provided. Ncube noted the need to address this gender bias and ensure that female protectors are available for inmates.

The prison service is also facing challenges with medication adherence. Ncube emphasized that there is a high number of defaulters, particularly among younger inmates who were aware of their HIV status before entering the system.

He called for the integration of HIV services with other health programs and stressed the importance of strengthening monitoring and reporting within the prisons. Currently, some facilities in the region are not yet accredited to provide antiretroviral therapy services, highlighting a need for further staff training and equipment

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Three painted dogs killed along Hwange highway as conservationists raise alarm

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Conservationists have raised fresh concern over wildlife safety along the busy Bulawayo–Victoria Falls highway after three endangered African wild dog were killed in separate incidents within a week.

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In a statement, Painted Dog Conservation confirmed that two pups from the Umkhonto pack were struck and killed by a vehicle overnight within the Hwange landscape.

“We are heartbroken to share that two pups from the Umkhonto pack were killed overnight after being struck by a vehicle along the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road,” the organisation said on Saturday.

The group said the pack had been safely escorted across a nearby road earlier, but is believed to have been disturbed by lions during the night, forcing them to move again toward the highway where the accident occurred.

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“Despite constant monitoring and intervention, moments like this remind us how fragile their survival can be,” the organisation added.

The deaths bring to three the number of painted dogs killed along the same highway corridor in less than a week, with another animal reportedly struck closer to Victoria Falls.

Conservationists warned that the loss goes beyond individual animals, highlighting the species’ already fragile population.

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“It’s not ‘just three dogs’. These three could have become alphas and been responsible for producing over 300 dogs through their offspring and subsequent generations,” the statement read.

Highway poses growing threat to wildlife

The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road, which cuts through key wildlife areas including parts of Hwange National Park, has long been flagged as a danger zone for animals.

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The highway is a major tourism and freight route linking Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, carrying heavy traffic volumes that include haulage trucks, buses, and self-drive tourists—many travelling at high speeds, particularly at night.

Wildlife frequently crosses this corridor as it bisects natural habitats and migration routes, bringing animals such as elephants, lions and painted dogs into direct conflict with vehicles.

Conservation groups have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of speed limits, improved signage, and traffic calming measures in wildlife zones, especially at night when visibility is poor and animal movement increases.

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Calls for action

Painted Dog Conservation urged motorists to slow down and remain vigilant when driving through wildlife areas.

“We urge all road users to slow down—especially at night—and call on authorities to strengthen and enforce speed reduction measures in wildlife areas. Their survival depends on it.”

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The deaths come amid growing concern over human-wildlife conflict in Matabeleland North, where expanding infrastructure and traffic volumes continue to put pressure on endangered species.

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In the community

Hwange residents invited to constitutional amendment public hearing

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Residents in Hwange are set to have their say on proposed changes to the country’s supreme law as the Parliament of Zimbabwe rolls out public hearings on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill.

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The outreach programme will reach the coal-mining town on Tuesday, 31 March, with the hearing scheduled for 10am at Edmund Davies Hall, located at the No.1 Colliery Club near Thomas Coulter Primary School.

Attendance is free, and members of the public are being encouraged to participate and express their views on the proposed amendment.

According to Parliament, the hearings are part of a nationwide consultation process aimed at gathering citizens’ input before the bill is finalised. The proposed legislation—Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (H.B. 1, 2026)—seeks to introduce changes to key governance provisions.

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The Matabeleland North outreach will begin in Tsholotsho on Monday, 30 March, before moving to Hwange, then to Binga on Wednesday, 1 April, and concluding in Lupane on Thursday, 2 April.

Parliament has also opened channels for written submissions, which can be sent to the Clerk of Parliament or via email.

However, authorities have warned that individuals wearing military uniforms, political party regalia, or carrying flags and badges will not be allowed into the hearings.

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Residents in and around Hwange are urged to attend in numbers and make their voices heard.

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