Mines and Mining Development Ministry has noted a decline in gold submissions from artisanal and small-scale miners has been revealed, marking an 18% decrease from 20.1 tonnes to 16.5 tonnes.
Addressing the audience at the Fourth Gold Mobilization Sent-off Workshop on Monday, Minister Zhemu Soda shed light on the challenges faced by these miners, attributing the decline to inadequate mechanization, the absence of comprehensive geological reports to evaluate available resources, and limited access to capital, notably due to insufficient assets for collateral.
The data for gold deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refinery during the January to October 2023 period showed an overall production of 26.2 tonnes against a set target of 40 tonnes. Of this, small-scale miners contributed approximately 63%, with their deliveries dropping from 20.1 tonnes to 16.5 tonnes – a decline that significantly impacts the overall submissions to Fidelity Gold Refiners.
To counteract these obstacles, the Zimbabwean government has allocated USD 5 million for capacity development specifically aimed at bolstering small-scale miners. This financial provision aims to enhance mechanization, upgrade mining methodologies, and promote sustainable practices to boost gold production within the sector.
Minister Soda also highlighted the government’s investment of USD 5 million into the establishment of five gold service centers, including a prominent center in Bubi, Matabeleland North. These centers serve as crucial support hubs for small-scale miners, offering specialized training, access to modern mining equipment, and assistance with geological assessments and exploration initiatives.
