Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reiterated that his Government would continue to support small scale miners who play a vital role in the country's mining sector.
Speaking in Gweru yesterday during an interface with small-scale miners under the banner, Miners for Economic Development (Miners4ED), President Mnangagwa said that his Government would provide artisanal miners with access to finance, training, and equipment.
"As small-scale miners, you are at the centre of the economy. Your Government is proud of you because statistics have shown that you contribute at least 60 percent of the revenue in the mining sector," said President Mnangagwa.
The President said that as part of rationalising mining ownership to achieve broad-based empowerment, no person would be allowed to prospect for more than one mineral so that everyone benefits.
President Mnangagwa added that his Government would provide small-scale miners with access to finance, training, and equipment. He also said that the Government would work to improve the regulatory environment for small-scale miners.
"We are committed to supporting the small-scale mining sector because it is a key driver of economic growth. We believe that by providing small-scale miners with the support they need, we can create jobs and boost economic development,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa’s pledge for support was welcomed by small scale and artisanal miners.
"This is a welcome development. We have been struggling for a long time, and this support will help us grow our businesses,” said Promise Moyo of Gweru.
The Government's support is also seen as a way to reduce the smuggling of gold and other minerals from Zimbabwe.
“This support will help to formalise the small-scale mining sector. This will help to reduce smuggling and to ensure that the Government gets its fair share of revenue from the sector,” said one Tawanda Chokera.
Meanwhile, the small-scale mining sector is a major contributor to the Zimbabwean economy. In 2022, the sector contributed an estimated US$1 billion to the country's gross domestic product.
