Zim small scall miners to surpass 12t gold target

Published: 20 July 2017

SMALL-scale miners have said they will surpass the 12 tonne gold production target set for this year on the back of increased support from the Government.

The mining sector is on a rebound as shown by an increase on mainly gold and platinum output, with the country expecting in excess of 28 tonnes of the yellow metal.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) availed a $40 million loan package early this year to capacitate small-scale gold producers with accessing key equipment.

Speaking on the sidelines of a women in mining breakfast meeting in Bulawayo yesterday Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) president, Apolonia Munzverengwi, said her sector was excited by Government support adding that her members were accessing the $40 million loan facility.

ZMF is an umbrella body for all small scale miners in the country, covering women in mining, youth in mining and artisanal small to medium scale miners.

"This shows that we have got the potential to surpass the target of 12 tonnes. Also because of the loans that have been availed we are going to definitely surpass the target. Almost $40 million has been distributed and by so doing this will improve the targeted output," said Munzverengwi.

She, however, said lack of skills in terms of identifying mineral deposits and lack of financial capacity were some of the challenges being faced by women in mining.

Munzverengwi said only 28 percent of women were into mining and urged them to venture into the male dominated industry to increase their economic chances.

"We want to see more women venturing into mining especially the youth who have graduated in mining, engineering, surveying and geologists. We also want them to own their mines not to work for companies. They should peg their claims and lead by example.

"Opportunities are there in chrome and gold mining. Recently the Government downsized Zimasco and ZimAlloys and currently, redistribution of claims is underway.

"We are saying women should also go and get their claims on chrome mining, gold mining and in reserved areas," she said.
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Tags: Gold,