Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe has registered an impressive over 40 percent surge in gold production during the first half of 2025, with official figures showing that the country produced more than 20 tonnes of gold between January and June, a significant jump from approximately 13 tonnes recorded during the same period last year.
The remarkable growth has been largely driven by the dominance of small-scale miners, who continue to outperform their large-scale counterparts.
According to statistics, artisanal and small-scale miners accounted for the bulk of deliveries, contributing around 80 percent of the total output, while large-scale operations supplied the remaining 20 percent.
Industry analysts have attributed the growth to several factors, including rising global gold prices, improved mining technologies, and increased support for small-scale miners.
Enhanced access to equipment, formalisation of operations, and favourable policies have also helped boost efficiency across the sector.
In an interview with the media, yesterday, Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, Wellington Takavarasha, hailed the strong performance but emphasised the importance of sustaining the momentum.
“Going forward, what is critical is to maintain this growth trajectory by aligning production strategies with current monetary policies, particularly those aimed at supporting the structured currency, the Zimbabwe Gold,” he said.
This surge in production is not only strengthening the mining sector but also playing a pivotal role in backing Zimbabwe’s newly introduced structured currency — ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold) — which relies heavily on the accumulation of national gold reserves.
Member of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Monetary Policy Committee, Persistence Gwanyanya, reinforced the strategic importance of gold mining in stabilising the local currency and the broader economy.
“The gold mining sector is fundamental to Zimbabwe’s economic development. As we continue to build up reserves, the Zimbabwe Gold currency will be strengthened, ensuring long-term currency stability,” he noted.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando praised the Government’s ongoing efforts to capacitate artisanal miners, whom he described as the engine of the country’s gold sector.
“Government is doing everything possible to empower small-scale miners by introducing a series of supportive measures aimed at boosting production and ensuring that the sector continues to grow,” he said.
With a national target of over 40 tonnes of gold for the full year, authorities remain confident that Zimbabwe is on track — if not poised to surpass its goals — thanks to strong performance in the first half and ongoing Government-Private sector collaboration.
