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They are able to improve their lives, their families and the general Mbembesi community. Since their gold is sold to Fidelity Printers, their production is expected to bolster the country’s 2012 overall gold output target of 15 tonnes.
Thanks to the Government’s initiative, many people in Mbembesi have become mine owners, contributing to national development and enhancing their own standards of living.
A small scale miner and businessman, Mr Ronald Dywili commended the Government for providing them with such opportunities. Small scale mining prospecting licences are pegged at $500 and most people in Mbembesi are applying for the licences.
“There is so much gold here and we are dependent on it to improve our livelihoods and generally the whole country because we sell our gold to the Government (Fidelity Printers),” said Mr Dywili.
Speaking at a recent pass-out parade at Ntabazinduna Police Training Depot, Mines and Mining Development Minister, Dr Obert Mpofu urged indigenous people to apply for the mining licences.
“As Minister of Mines, I urge every Zimbabwean to apply for mining licences because minierals are your resources. We should fulfil President Mugabe’s vision to empower people through accessing their resources,” he said.
Dr Mpofu said there is no statute that forbade anyone from running and owning a mine.
“Where is it in the statutes of this country that you should not run a mine or own one as an individual? So if you apply for a mine you can get one even if you are a police officer or soldier.
“Foreigners are running mines in their countries but when done here you are accused by our detractors who do not want to see us involved in the development of our country. Apply for the mines and I will give you the permits but you should shun underhand deals, corruption and other anti-social activities that derail development,” said Dr Mpofu.
Mr Dywili employs 12 people from the Mbembesi community. This has helped provide employment to people in his area who are fending for their families from their wages.
“Small scale mining has changed the people’s live here,” said Mr Dywili.
Figures from the Zimbabwe Miners Federation show that small-scale miners contribute a third of the total national gold output. Also, data from the Chamber of Mines shows that the production of the precious metal continues to rise, driven by increased output by major mining firms and small-scale miners. The entire mining sector grossed $1,36 billion last year, with gold contributing $585 million.
With steady gold production, Zimbabwe could soon regain its status on the London Bullion Market which requires that gold producing countries should produce a minimum annual output of 10 tonnes to be considered as members. In 2011, Zimbabwe produced 12 993kg, a development that allows the country to be re-admitted to the London Bullion Market from which it was suspended a few years ago.
Mbembesi miners appealed to the Government to help them secure equipment so that they increase production.
“Mining gold takes a lot of hard work and we need equipment such as compressors,” said Mr Dywili.
Carry Mine is planning to put up a gold mill before the end of next month. This has raised hopes of an increased gold out put by Membesi small-scale miners. Managing director of Carry Mine, Mr Yannis Sofiawopoulo, said small-scale miners will triple their incomes as gold ore will now be processed in the area as opposed to transporting the ore to other areas for processing at huge costs.
“We are going to establish a gold mill near the small scale miners as a way of cutting down on production costs. All the detecting of gold and sampling will be done here. We are also going to teach them how to use the latest equipment such as compressors,” said Mr Sofiawopoulo.
Mr Tomas Nyelika, also a small-scale miner, expressed joy over the Carry Mine investment.
“I hire trucks to go and get my ore crushed to some crushing mill 30 km from where I mine and this is costing me a lot. Sometimes we get cheated there,” said Mr Nyelika.
Mr Sofiawopoulo promised small-scale miners fair treatment.
Zimbabwe Miners Federation head, Mr Wellington Takavarasha said the 15 tonnes gold production target for this year is achievable.
“Though we have some challenges in terms of new mining levies as small-scale miners we still remain optimistic that the annual gold production target for this year is achievable. Small scale miners are committed to boosting production and our target is to contribute four tonnes during this last quarter,” he said.
l Lungelo Ndhlovu is a student at Nust doing a degree in Journalism and Media Studies. He can be contacted on [email protected].
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