Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Harare
Government is demonstrating strong leadership in the ongoing drive to formalise the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, a move aimed at promoting sustainable mining practices and strengthening strategic partnerships.
Speaking during the ongoing PlanetGOLD Zimbabwe Annual Stakeholders Conference in Harare, Engineer Mollen Siwella of PlanetGOLD Zimbabwe said the ASM sector continues to face numerous challenges that demand shared responsibility and collective solutions.
“This is why effective partnerships with government ministries, international organizations, financial institutions, technical training bodies, the private sector, civil society and local communities are all essential for a sustainable project,” said Eng Siwella.
She said collaboration was critical in addressing key issues affecting the sector, including policy and regulation, training, market access and financial inclusion.
“This helps to complement our strengths that address the critical issues which include policy and regulation, training, market access and financial inclusion,” said Eng Siwella.
Eng Siwella noted that within the PlanetGOLD Zimbabwe framework, several key actors drive this partnership approach, with government playing a central role.
“So the role of government partners is very pivotal. We have ministries like the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprise Development as our valued government partners,” she said.
She commended government’s ongoing efforts to formalise the sector and promote responsible mining operations.
“The government has actually demonstrated leadership in the drive towards formalising the SGM sector as well as having sustainable mining practices,” said Eng Siwella.
On market access, Eng Siwella said Fidelity Gold Refineries continues to play a crucial role in linking artisanal and small-scale miners to formal markets.
“Financial partnerships are vital, especially in bridging the gap that frequently hinders miners from accessing equipment or working capital,” he said.
“Fidelity Gold Refineries connect artisanal miners in remote areas to formal markets through gold buying centres distributed across Zimbabwe’s mining regions.”
She said such collaborative efforts were essential in ensuring that small-scale miners benefit from the gold value chain while promoting responsible and sustainable mining across the country.
