adminThe Bulawayo Miners’ Association organising secretary, Mr Ishmael Kaguru, told Business Chronicle, that their organisation, which has 150 members, was affiliated to the Zimbabwe Miners’ Federation (ZMF).
“We now have an affiliate organisation of ZMF in Bulawayo established to directly deal with concerns affecting small-scale miners in the area.
“Unlike in other parts of the country, in the past there was no association to represent small-scale miners in areas around Bulawayo such as Siphezini, Hope Fountain, Nyamandlovu, Umguza and Cyrene.
As a result, the miners in these areas have always been left out of Government programmes such as mine mechanisation as there was no association that directly handled matters affecting their operations.”
He said the formation of the Bulawayo Miners’ Association would see small-scale miners in the aforementioned areas benefiting from programmes such as the Mining Industry Loan Fund and other initiatives meant to boost their operations.
Meanwhile, the ZMF chief executive officer, Mr Wellington Takavarasha, confirmed yesterday that Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu last week unveiled to the federation 50 compressors and 200 water pumps worth $100 000.
More mining equipment is expected to be secured under this ongoing programme.
Mr Takavarasha said the mining equipment was sourced from China under the Government’s Mining Industry Loan Fund aimed at boosting small-scale miners’ activities.
“We will soon be distributing the equipment to potential beneficiaries. The equipment will be secured by the miners on hire purchase scheme,” said Mr Takavarasha.
Commenting on the latest equipment, Mr Kaguru said: “Definitely Bulawayo Miners’ Association members will benefit from the latest equipment sourced by Government under the Mining Industry Loan Fund.
Sixteen compressors have been set aside to benefit miners from this region.”
He said his association would identify the potential beneficiaries of the equipment.
“In identifying the beneficiaries, we will obviously look at the miner’s commitment towards Fidelity Printers.
“For those who have been selling their gold through the black market, tough luck as they will not stand a chance to benefit.
“We will also ask the miners intending to secure this equipment to produce their gold receipts that reflect that all along they have been selling their gold to Fidelity Printers,” he said.
He said small-scale miners in the country played a critical role in economic development of the country.
According to recent statistics released by the African Development Bank, small-scale miners pushed gold output up from 126,5 kilogrammes in June to 388,1 kilogrammes in October this year.
The gold mining sector has played a significant part in the country’s total export receipts, generating at least $334,2 million for Zimbabwe in 2010.
Production volumes increased by 93,7 percent to 9 620 tonnes last year.
This year production is projected to increase to 13 000 tonnes.
Online Reporter