Mutapa Gold Resources’ Freda Rebecca Gold Mine Laboratory has attained a new era of technical excellence after attaining the internationally recognised ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, marking a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
The accreditation, issued by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS), follows a rigorous seven-year journey that began in 2019 and confirms the laboratory’s competence to produce accurate, reliable and internationally accepted test results.
FRGM lab becomes the first Gold mine in Zimbabwe to have such accreditation
Speaking during the accreditation certificate handover ceremony, Mutapa Gold Resources Chief Executive Officer Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya said the milestone reflects the company’s commitment to building a globally competitive mining operation.
“This is not merely a ceremonial milestone. It is a defining moment in our journey, not just as Freda Rebecca but as Mutapa Gold Resources and as a business that is deliberately positioning itself for technical excellence, operational discipline and international credibility.”
Shayawabaya said the accreditation strengthens confidence in laboratory results that guide critical mining decisions.
“For a gold mining operation like ours, assay results are not just numbers on a report. They inform exploration decisions, guide resource evaluation, influence grade control, support mine planning, metallurgical accounting and validate bullion analysis.”
He said reliability of laboratory data remains central to mining success.
“Accuracy is not optional, precision is not a luxury. Reliability is central to the way we mine, process, account for and sell gold.”
The CEO said the achievement was a result of investment in systems, people, technology and quality management.
“This accreditation is not only a laboratory achievement, it is a Mutapa Gold Resources achievement. We are not building ordinary mining operations; we are building disciplined, data-driven and internationally credible operations that can compete beyond our borders.”
SADCAS Chief Executive Officer Dr Eve Gadzikwa said the achievement demonstrates Freda Rebecca’s commitment to international standards.
“Achieving accreditation is no small feat. It is indeed a rigorous and demanding journey. Your success deserves recognition because it reflects commitment, competence and dedication.”
Dr Gadzikwa explained the role of accreditation in assuring confidence in laboratory results.
“SADCAS’ job is to oversee the work that is being done by conformity assessment bodies. This is why you can trust the work, because we are coming to oversee that the work is being done according to international standards.”
She clarified the difference between certification and accreditation.
“The Standards Association of Zimbabwe is your national standards body. They offer certification. They do not accredit. When it comes to accreditation standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, SADCAS is responsible for granting accreditation.”
Dr Gadzikwa said the achievement follows years of commitment.
“This is especially significant given that it is coming after seven years of pursuing the accreditation journey. We have heard the challenges that were faced, including changes of hands, but we are here today to celebrate this achievement.”
She said accreditation brings wider benefits to the mining sector and Zimbabwe’s economy.
“Accreditation facilitates market access. Products that pass accredited conformity assessments can enter markets that require compliance with specific standards. It builds trust, improves quality and strengthens”.
A Consultant Dr Wedzerai Makaya, who supported Mutapa Gold throughout the accreditation journey, said attaining accreditation marks the start of a new phase.
“The process does not end on accreditation. This is now the journey to maintain it,” and reiterated that SADCAS will continue monitoring compliance.
“SADCAS will be coming every year to assess the maintenance of the accreditation, and after every four years there will be a reassessment to ensure that the laboratory continues to meet the required standards.”
Government Commends Quality Milestone
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce Accreditation Focal Person Mr Eldine Mavhunga said the achievement demonstrates the importance of quality infrastructure in Zimbabwe’s industrial development.
“ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation demonstrates that a laboratory has the technical competence to produce accurate, reliable and internationally accepted results.”
She said such milestones enhance confidence in local industries.
“Accreditation strengthens trust in locally generated results and supports competitiveness, transparency and compliance with international standards.”
The achievement positions Freda Rebecca Gold Mine Laboratory among internationally recognised laboratories and reinforces Mutapa Gold Resources’ ambition to become a leading gold producer through quality, innovation and operational excellence.
