adminDevelopment deputy minister Gift Chimanikire said last week.
The equipment was secured from China under the Mining Loan Fund. The deputy minister said the initiative was in line with Government’s effort to increase gold production.
“We will start distributing the equipment in two weeks time to deserving miners in the five mining regions which are Harare, Kadoma, Gweru, Masvingo and Matebeleland,” he said.
“Miners with good production figures and potential to produce as assessed by our team will benefit. Repayment will be made on an agreed scheme.”
The equipment includes, water pumps, compressors, bull mills and crushers. Under the arrangement, beneficiaries would repay by channelling part of their export proceeds to government. He said a team of engineers sent for training to China had completed assessing the machinery.
“The equipment has passed the test,” Chimanikire said, adding that, “Government had secured spares for the machinery to ensure durability of the equipment.”
Small-scale miners have contributed 19 percent to the 8 047, 4 kilograms of gold that Zimbabwe has so far produced this year.
Market watchers have said the contribution by small scale producers could even be higher if they are availed with funding. – New Ziana.
Online Reporter