adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
Small-scale miners in Masvingo have called for Government support so they can be able to formalise their operations, amid reports that at least one million artisanal miners are not registered in the country.
According to Zimbabwe Mining Federation (ZMF), the country is home to at least 1,5 million artisanal miners and yet only 25 000 are registered. Artisanal miners here said the mining industry was a capital intensive sector which needed huge investments that many small players could not afford.
Somerton Mining syndicate director Mr Benjamin Mazarire said while the mining industry was growing in Masvingo Province, most if the mines were unknown since they were not registered.
“We have a number of mining concessions in the province but a number of them are operating informally given the prohibitive charges needed to register. For one to have his or her claim registered, there is need for huge sums of money. While we commend the downward review of some fees, small-scale miners are not finding it easy to formalise operations,” said Mr Mazarire.
Another artisanal miner, Mr Sibanengi Ndebele, said although Government had reviewed the registration fees downwards, the fees were not affordable to ordinary men.
“For one to register a claim, he needs between $500 to $1 000 before starting to mine. As if that is not enough, artisanal miners were heavily levied through royalties and tax to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra). All these payments make it hard for artisanal miners to formalise their operations. We feel that Government should also extend the US$100 million facility for procurement of equipment to many players,” said Mr Ndebele.
In 2017, President Mnangagwa slashed mining fees from $500 to $50 for artisanal miners as a means to boost production.
Online Reporter