Story by Tamuka Charakupa
GOVERNMENT has urged artisanal and small-scale miners to adopt responsible mining practices, saying safety, environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance are essential to the sector’s long-term growth.
The call comes as small-scale miners continue to dominate Zimbabwe’s gold industry, contributing nearly 70 percent of national output and playing a vital role in rural livelihoods and the wider economy.
In a major capacity-building initiative, Chegutu-based Magaya Mine, in partnership with the Zimbabwe School of Mines, has trained more than 300 artisanal and small-scale miners in safer and more sustainable mining methods.
Addressing the graduates, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Polite Kambamura said the sector is now central to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
“The artisanal and small-scale mining sector is no longer a peripheral activity in our economy. It consistently delivers more than 60 percent of gold to Fidelity Gold Refineries, sustains hundreds of thousands of livelihoods and underpins rural and mining-town economies,” he said.
He urged miners to apply the knowledge gained by prioritising safety, environmental responsibility and formalisation.
“You are graduating not only with knowledge, but with an obligation to mine safely, to mine cleanly and to formalise your operations, even when shortcuts may seem easier,” Honourable Kambamura said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo said the programme reflects Government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“Of the 300 graduates, 148 are women, clearly demonstrating our policy of leaving no one and no place behind,” she said.
She added that the initiative is designed as a training-of-trainers model, with participants expected to share their knowledge within their communities to promote safer and more productive mining practices nationwide.
Zimbabwe’s gold sector continues to post strong growth.
National gold output rose from more than 36 tonnes in 2024 to a record in excess of 46 tonnes in 2025.
Small-scale miners accounted for over 34 tonnes last year, representing nearly 75 percent of total production.
