Bindura, Zimbabwe — Authorities are investigating a daring armed robbery at a Bindura mine where eight unidentified suspects made away with gold-loaded carbon valued at US $36,000.

The incident occurred on December 22, 2024, when the suspects, armed with a rifle, attacked a security guard on duty before breaking into the carbon room and stealing eleven 50-kilogram bags of gold-loaded carbon. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the robbery in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), urging anyone with information to report to their nearest police station.

Gold-loaded carbon, while appearing unremarkable, is a critical element in the gold extraction process. It is used to trap and hold gold particles from dissolved ore, making it an efficient and cost-effective method of recovering the precious metal. The stolen carbon holds significant value as it contains gold that can be refined into its pure form.

Details of the Incident

According to the ZRP, the suspects executed the heist after overpowering the security guard, leaving them unharmed but shaken. The gang then gained access to the carbon room, where they stole the gold-laden material, which is essential in gold recovery operations.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are appealing to the public for information. “Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station,” the ZRP stated.

Understanding the Value of Gold-Loaded Carbon

Gold-loaded carbon is a crucial intermediary in the gold mining process, often utilized in methods like Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) or Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) to efficiently extract gold from ore. The porous nature of the carbon allows it to capture and hold tiny particles of gold, which can later be recovered and refined.

The stolen gold-loaded carbon can yield significant quantities of refined gold, making it a lucrative target for criminals.

Appeal to the Public

The ZRP is calling on individuals with information about the robbery or those who notice suspicious activity related to gold-loaded carbon to come forward. The stolen material, while not immediately recognizable as valuable to the untrained eye, is an essential asset in gold recovery operations.

Authorities are intensifying their investigation and increasing patrols in mining regions to prevent further incidents of this nature.

This robbery highlights the growing risks facing mining operations and the critical need for enhanced security measures to protect valuable resources in the sector.- Ziana