During the 2023 Fourth Gold Mobilization Sent-off Workshop, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Zhemu Soda, emphasized the essential role of qualified Mining Engineers in ensuring safe practices within the mining industry.
Speaking in reference to Zimbabwe’s Mines and Mineral Act, which mandates the employment of a qualified Mine Engineer as a Mine Manager, Soda stressed the criticality of this position in upholding stringent safety protocols and implementing best mining practices, especially in gold mining operations.
However, recent investigations by the Gold Mobilization Task Force have uncovered concerning lapses in compliance within the small-scale mining sector. Numerous Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (AGSM) operations lack the specialized skills mandated by the Act, leading to potential safety risks and inefficient mining practices.
