Chronicle EditorSikhulekelani Moyo, Business Reporter
THERE is a need to involve women and people living with disability in mining operations so as to promote inclusivity and enhance their contribution to the attainment of the US$12 billion mining milestone by 2023, an official has said.
In a recent interview in Bulawayo on the sidelines of the recent Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Matabeleland South chairperson, Mr Philemon Mokuele, said given adequate support, people living with disability and women have the potential to increase mining output and job creation.
“Women are the most loyal people and with their loyalty, if a majority of them can be included in the mining sector more minerals, especially gold would be delivered to Fidelity Printers and Refineries,” said Mr Mokuele.
“People with disability also need their specific desk in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development where their concerns can be addressed separately from the able bodied as they have different challenges.
“Women in mining also need recognition in the sector as they feel they don’t have enough space by being pushed by their male counterparts especially when it comes to things like disputes. We hope as small-scale miners we will also have such bureaus.” – @SikhulekelaniM1
derick.khumalo