Jena Mines, an operational underground mine situated in the scenic Silobela region of Zimbabwe within the Bubi/Bulawayan Greenstone Belt, encapsulates a rich mining history dating back to 1898.
The mine is situated 90km SW of Kwekwe and about 310km SW of Harare.
Over the years, the mine has evolved and its historical production, initially on a high-grade low volume basis from various shallow vertical shafts, has contributed to the mining legacy of the region
The Jena Mines deposit is characterized by narrow veins, ranging between 2-5m with occasional wider pods of up to 20m .
Mining Operations
The primary mining method employed is underhand/overhand open stope benching, complemented by limited breast-stoping techniques.
This nuanced approach reflects the mine’s commitment to efficient extraction while preserving the geological integrity of the deposit.
Business Case
Two boreholes from the 2021 drilling program spaced 120m intersected a large orebody 450m+ from surface, with an estimated 1.2million tons @4.32g/t.
The first borehole had a combined 60m intersection with a 10m waste patch between the first 20m and the last 40m at a depth of 430m below surface. The second borehole, about 200m north of Lioness Shaft had a 7m intersection showing the same lithology and mineralization style.
Further exploration drilling is required to ascertain continuity of this perceived orebody up dip and the south.
Proposed further drilling holes for the up dip of the bulge are shown in red
Four section lines have been proposed north of Malangani pit’s current face.
Each section line has two boreholes, 120m length per hole, targeting the north strike extension.