Highlanders donate 50 bins to Bulawayo in centenary community initiative

Formalizing artisanal miners is key to Zimbabwe's US$12 billion mining ambition, says Timothy Masviba

Timothy Masviba, Mashonaland West youth league secretary of Mines, Energy and Development, emphasized that formalizing artisanal miners is crucial for Zimbabwe to achieve its US$12 billion mining industry target by 2030. The provincial strategy involves mobilizing artisanal, medium, and large-scale miners to invest in exploration and acquire modern mining equipment to increase tonnage. Efforts are underway to ensure miners produce gold and platinum free from conflict. The Mutapa Investment Fund is working to provide artisanal miners with essential knowledge, including proper shaft housekeeping, barring down, re-entry procedures, and understanding dangerous gases like carbon monoxide. The goal is for every artisanal miner who owns a shaft to receive training and certification. To address financing gaps, miners are being taught how to attract investors and build relationships with banks by consistently selling gold to Fidelity. Masviba noted improvements in combating side marketing, with the government now ensuring 100% payment in US dollars for gold deliveries to Fidelity and decentralizing Fidelity offices to make sales easier. Miners are also educated on the importance of selling to Fidelity for industry sustainability and to access incentives. While specific revenue figures for Mashonaland West were not provided, Masviba indicated significant income generation and visible community development. Regarding environmental damage, miners are being educated on rehabilitation prac