Zimbabwe's Government Ramps Up Efforts to Formalise Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

Strategic Insights -

Zimbabwe's government is intensifying its efforts to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) to maximise the gold sector's contribution to the economy. At the Annual Mining Conference in Victoria Falls, the government reiterated its commitment to unlocking the sector's potential through structured mining practices, fair and transparent pricing, improved safety standards, and environmentally responsible mining. Key initiatives aimed at achieving these goals include the clearing of backlogs in mining title issuance, implementation of the CADASTRE system, awareness programs on safer mining methods, and collaborations with Fidelity Gold Refinery to facilitate access to formal markets and fair pricing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The government is committed to formalising the ASM sector to enhance productivity, ensure fair pricing, improve safety standards, and promote environmentally responsible mining.
  • The government is working on initiatives to increase gold and mineral production, including clearing mining title backlogs, implementing the CADASTRE system, and awareness programs on safer mining methods.
  • The government is intensifying efforts to combat gold smuggling and illicit financial flows through responsible mining audits, gold mobilisation exercises, strengthened monitoring and surveillance, and improved collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
  • The government is exploring sustainable financing models to enable the acquisition of safer mining equipment and technologies.
  • Proper rehabilitation of mined-out areas is being emphasised to restore land productivity and minimise environmental damage.
  • The government is working on stricter penalties for those involved in gold smuggling and illicit financial flows.
  • Fidelity Gold Refinery is collaborating with the government to facilitate access to formal markets and fair pricing for artisanal and small-scale miners.

Statistics:

  • No specific statistics are mentioned in the provided text.
  • However, it is reported that the government is working on clearing backlogs in mining title issuance and implementing the CADASTRE system to increase gold and mineral production.
  • Record-high global prices of gold are acknowledged as a significant factor contributing to the government's efforts to formalise the ASM sector.

Sources:

  • Mr. Pfungwa Kunaka, Permanent Secretary for Mines and Mining Development
  • Engineer Leon Godza, Acting Chief Director of Mining Development
  • Annual Mining Conference in Victoria Falls
  • Fidelity Gold Refinery