Mozambique mining drama — Nsimbi Mining Services announces mystery equity partner amid layoffs and strikes
Nsimbi Mining Services, the mining company at the centre of a hostage drama at a coal mine in Mozambique two months ago, says it has a new partner, and its priority is to pay outstanding salaries.
Nsimbi Mining Services, the contractor supporting the Moatize Coal Mine in Mozambique's Tete province, has confirmed the arrival of a new equity partner, whose identity remains undisclosed.
The announcement comes amid ongoing retrenchments, unpaid salaries, and worker strikes that have deepened the company's operational crisis.
Equity deal in progress
Nsimbi Mining executive managing director Craig Dube told Daily Maverick that while Nsimbi Mining has not been sold, a new partner has come on board, and the immediate priority is to 'deal with outstanding salaries and severance packages'.
'We agreed on a deal in principle, and lawyers are currently busy with the administration and paperwork,' Dube said.
He also added that funds will only become available once the deal is finalised.
Workers' frustrations
Despite management's assurances, frustration among workers remains high. An anonymous employee described the situation as 'very bad'. confirming that a strike took place on Wednesday, 18 June, with workers demanding their long-overdue salaries.
'They have stopped operations at the mine because it is now a risk for anyone who is seen working, driving or associated with Nsimbi properties,' the worker said.
The employee added that unpaid workers have threatened to destroy anything linked to Nsimbi in their communities.
'It is getting worse than it was; people have not been paid until today… the local workers have been retrenched without being paid what is due to them,' the worker said.
Worker unrest
The retrenchments followed an incident almost two months ago on 29 April, when mine managers were held hostage at the company offices by angry workers demanding months of unpaid wages. This standoff, driven by financial difficulties and withheld passports, left staff stranded and desperate.
According to the worker, two South Africans in Mozambique were promised payment by the company on 30 May, but the payments did not materialise. Most other South Africans have returned home, leaving only three, including Dube's sister, who claims to have no information.
'There is an investor who is supposed to bring in equity, but … people who are owed money are now losing their patience,' the worker told Daily Maverick.
The human toll
The human cost of Nsimbi's collapse is starkly illustrated by Nicolus Molapo's plight. Unable to afford a dignified burial for his late mother because of months of unpaid wages, he embodies the desperation gripping workers.
Molapo shared email correspondence with the company. In the email, Nsimbi confirmed his dismissal, stating that 'the majority of the company has been sold' and that he would need to wait for the paperwork to be finalised before receiving his outstanding salary – he is owed about five months' salary. When Molapo asked about returning to work, the response was clear: 'You will NOT be required back.' The reason for this, he was told, would be communicated once his salary was settled.
A screen shot of email correspondence between worker Nicolus Molapo and Nsimbi Mining Services. (Image: Supplied)
How Nsimbi Mining got here
Founded in 2016, Nsimbi Mining set out to provide innovative equipment and tailored solutions to the mining industry across South Africa and the rest of Africa. The company's mission focused on enhancing safety, improving productivity and reducing operational costs by delivering cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly solutions.
Nsimbi offered a comprehensive range of services for open-pit mining operations, including contract drilling, load and haul services, equipment maintenance and supply of spare parts. Its fleet was equipped with modern service vehicles, on-board welding facilities and communication systems.
The company grew by supplying equipment from well-known earthmoving brands and offering leasing options and on-site technical support. It positioned itself as a disruptor in the earthmoving industry, focusing on innovative products and customer-centric service models.
However, since early 2024, Nsimbi Mining Services has struggled with delayed payments to workers and suppliers, leading to strikes and unrest.
In April 2025, tensions peaked when striking miners held South African managers hostage at the company's Tete offices, demanding months of unpaid wages. Since then, operations have been largely paralysed, with about 200 workers on strike demanding payment of three months' wage arrears.
Uncertain future
With lawyers still finalising the deal with the new equity partner, Nsimbi Mining Services remains in a state of operational and financial uncertainty. Workers and creditors continue to await overdue payments and clarity on the company's future. DM
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