Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT will soon deploy mining development officers in every district as it moves to boost gold production and tighten oversight in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, which now accounts for about 75 percent of Zimbabwe’s output.
The move is part of a wider strategy to formalise and modernise artisanal and small-scale mining, a sector that has become central to export earnings and rural livelihoods.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Polite Kambamura announced the plan recently while officiating at the graduation of 300 artisanal miners in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province.
He said the new structure would mirror agricultural extension services, with officers stationed across mining districts to provide technical support, enforce standards and improve mineral accountability.
“We are coming up with mining development officers, who will be positioned in each mining district to monitor operations, share expertise and educate miners on standards, accountability and technical issues,” said Dr Kambamura.
“It’s now time that we mine responsibly.”
The initiative builds on Government efforts to transform the mining sector in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2, which seek to grow the industry into a US$12 billion economy.
Small-scale miners have emerged as the backbone of the gold sector, delivering 34,9 tonnes last year out of a national total of 47,7 tonnes, according to Fidelity Gold Refinery.
At the ceremony, 300 artisanal miners from Elvington Mine graduated from a skills development programme run in partnership with Mutapa Gold Resources, the Zimbabwe School of Mines and Magaya Mining. The training focused on safety, productivity, environmental protection and regulatory compliance, equipping miners with skills to improve efficiency and meet industry standards.
Dr Kambamura described the certification as a “passport to formality” and said similar programmes would be rolled out nationwide through mobile training initiatives.
Mutapa Gold Resources chief executive Mr Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya said the programme reflected growing collaboration between the Government and industry in strengthening the sector.
“This is a statement of intent that Zimbabwe can grow its gold production responsibly, safely and inclusively while protecting the environment and improving livelihoods,” he said.
Zimbabwe School of Mines principal Mr Edwin Gwaze said the dominance of small-scale miners underscored the urgency of formalisation and skills development.
