Small-scale miners in Zimbabwe are facing increasing operational challenges due to the arbitrary pricing of key mining inputs by suppliers, a development that is undermining productivity and profitability in the sector.
This was revealed by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) Senior Research Officer, Dakarayi Matanga, during a workshop held in Gweru, where miners raised concerns over the rising and inconsistent costs of essential materials.
Speaking in response to the grievances, Matanga emphasized that the lack of fair and transparent pricing mechanisms is placing a heavy burden on small-scale miners, who already operate under constrained financial conditions. He noted that unpredictable input costs make it difficult for miners to plan effectively, often leading to reduced output and in some cases, forced shutdowns.
The small-scale mining sector plays a critical role in Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to gold output and providing livelihoods for thousands of people. However, stakeholders warn that without addressing pricing irregularities, the sector’s potential may remain constrained.
