About

Our Story

Zimbaqua is the World’s first sustainable mine empowering women in rural communities through mining. We are working closely with the community leaders to ensure that we positively impact their communities with our priority being; education and wellbeing of children.
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We wish to positively contribute to the national economy as well as the local economy of the communities around the mine. We believe in value adding through sustainability and positive stories about extraction of minerals. We believe that transparency, responsibility and traceability is the future of mining.

Our Vision

It is our vision to become the leading supplier of responsibly sourced aquamarine and build the World’s first all women mining empire.

Our Mission

It is our mission to supply sustainably mined aquamarines to the international jewelry industry and offer a product competitive in both price and quality.

Our Gemstones

The name “Aquamarine” originates from the Latin meaning "water of the sea" and is the blue to blue-green variety of Beryl. It’s beautifully delicate blue colour is derived from iron. Other well-known gem varieties of Beryl include emerald, morganite and heliodor.

Aquamarine is formed when magma under the earth crust interact with mineral rich rocks (pegmatites). The aquamarine is formed in pegmatites once these rocks are heated and interact with the magma. The pegmatites are formed in the final stages of magma crystallisation.

Because of the way aquamarine is formed, it is found mainly in rocky or mountainous areas of the world – in particular Africa, India, South America, Russia and North America.

Our Legacy

The Zimbaqua mine was founded in a rural area where people traditionally farm tobacco and maize. Starting a mine from scratch is not for the faint of heart, it is a daunting task that takes time. Once we had found the appropriate location for the mine, we held meetings with the chief and community leaders to discuss the project. Everyone seemed to be surprised by our intention to only employ women, nonetheless, no one was against the idea, just a bit puzzled.
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Once we were given the go-ahead and support from the community, we took the time to meet with each farmer, whose land was affected by the mine to discuss the way forward. Each of the farmers within the mining area got a new piece land and we built them a new house in place on the one they had to abandon.
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In the spirit of ensuring that all parties were satisfied and content, we performed the necessary local traditional and customary ceremonies as well as met the legal requirements that included; carrying out environmental assessments and obtaining all the necessary permits and licenses.
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It is vital to us, that we have the support of the community as well as the government, before commencing our mining operations. Furthermore, we strive to operate at the highest standard, which is why we aim to align our approach with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Read more: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/?menu=1300

Our Mine

The Karoi District

Karoi is located near the border of Zambia in the northern part of Zimbabwe. The Zimbaqua mine covers approximately 50 hectares of virgin mining land – an area known both for its fertile soil and significant gemstone deposits.

The district is located in Mashonaland West Province Mashonaland West Province, in north central Zimbabwe. Its main town, Karoi, is about 200 kilometers northwest of Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital.

Why Women?

Most people ask this question when they hear about Zimbaqua, so allow us to give you a little background.
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The mining sector is highly conservative and male-dominated. Many women in areas like Karoi, have been forced into illegal, artisanal mining in order to survive. This is a common problem in many poor parts of Africa. There are even stories of women disguising themselves as men, in order to avoid getting harassed.
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Ever since Zimbaqua was founded, we have been met with surprise and wonder. “Women cannot do this job,” is one of the most common remarks we hear. But we beg to differ. Today app. 90% of farming in Africa is done by women. The work in an opencast mine like our’s, does not require a more physically demanding workload than farming. Creating an environment where the women are in charge, has allowed all our employees to feel comfortable.
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We have chosen to empower women through mining because we believe there is a need for change and inclusivity. Unemployment in rural areas of Zimbabwe is a big challenge thus, opportunities for women are very few. Many of our employees are single mothers who have been struggling to feed and offer their children basic needs. We are setting a new standard for mining and creating opportunities for women, ultimately uplifting and improving their living standards.

Our Team

Senzeni Tohuma

Pit Supervisor

Senzeni is a native of Karoi and has years of experience working in the fields. Senzeni is respected amongst her team mates, she is hands-on and leads the way at the mine site. She is passionate about geology and eager to learn more. Senzeni is 40 years old, married and the mother of 3 children.

Anatolia Mapfumo

Mine Manager

Anatolia has taken on the challenge of being the manager of the first Zimbaqua mine. Her passion and dedication is striking and she is eager to learn and grow. Even though Anatolia was born in the city of Harare, her biggest wish is to create opportunities for women in rural communities. Anatolia is 36 years old, she is married and has 3 children.

Rutendo Chigwajara

Assistant Mine Manager

Being a native of Karoi, Rutendo is passionate about creating employment and development in her area. Having worked in farming most of her life, she is a hands-on, hardworking person, who masters any job in the mining process. Rutendo is 40 years old, married and has 3 children.

Our Partners

Iver Rosenkrantz

Founding Partner

A trained gemologist, Iver has over ten years’ experience sourcing gemstones across all parts of Africa. Based in Tanzania, Iver has built a series of iconic African luxury brands whose hallmarks are sustainability, empowerment and growth. Iver brings this unique knowledge and expertise to lead sales and marketing for Zimbaqua and to broadcast its important message to the world.

Patrick Tendaye Zindoga

Founding Partner

With over a decade in the construction industry, Patrick is passionate about the benefits that entrepreneurial energy can bring to the economy when done in a sustainable way. He is a champion of job creation and the environment and has been active in driving new opportunities to empower the youth of Zimbabwe. Patrick brings his experience of managing small and large scale construction projects to the management and development of the Zimbaqua mine.