Online Reporter
Johnsias Mutonhori
GOLD miners and buyers have called for clearer and more consistent enforcement of laws governing gold mining and trading following recent arrests of individuals found in possession of the precious mineral, cases that have sparked debate within the sector and among the general public.
The debate was triggered by two recent court cases in which individuals were handed five-year prison sentences after being convicted of unlawful possession of gold.
In one case, Joseph Phiri was found in possession of 3 118 grammes of gold and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. In another case, Tafadzwa Matsika received a similar sentence after being convicted of possessing 0,096 grammes of gold.
The sentences have drawn mixed reactions, with some artisanal miners in the Midlands and members of the public arguing that mere possession of gold should not be criminalised, while others maintain that gold, as a strategic national mineral, should only be handled by licensed individuals operating within the law.
Shurugwi-based miner and businessman, Mr Tawanda Muchechetere, acknowledged the critical role played by artisanal and small-scale miners, including those operating informally, in supporting the country’s economy, but stressed the need for order and professionalism in the sector.
“Artisanal miners, particularly in the gold sector, are major contributors to national gold output and play an important role in boosting the country’s gross domestic product,” said Mr Muchechetere.
“However, there is now a proliferation of unlicensed gold buyers and miners who sometimes fail to observe basic mining guidelines. Some have turned to invading other people’s claims, while others do not meet minimum Environmental Management Agency (EMA) standards.”
Another miner, Mr William Gara, echoed similar sentiments, saying licensing and formalisation were essential to ensuring that gold entered official marketing channels.
“Gold is a precious mineral, and I do not think possession should be left to everyone. Gold operations and possession must be regulated, and those who want to participate in the gold mining value chain must follow proper procedures to ensure accountability and security,” he said.
However, Kwekwe-based miner and gold buyer, Mr Tafadzwa Chando, argued that criminalising possession alone may be counterproductive and could discourage gold deliveries to official buyers.
“It is not easy to formalise and meet all the requirements in the mining sector, which is why some people bypass certain stages,” he said.
“I am not encouraging people to disregard environmental protection or mining guidelines, but possession of gold itself should not be criminalised.”
Mr Chando said unlicensed buyers often play a role in aggregating gold from informal miners before selling it to Fidelity Gold Refinery, Zimbabwe’s sole authorised gold buyer.
“In such cases, the gold still finds its way into formal channels and contributes to the country’s economy,” he said.
According to official statistics, small-scale miners account for about 75 percent of Zimbabwe’s annual gold output, a figure that includes both licensed and informal operators.
The ongoing debate comes as the Government prepares to roll out public consultations on the long-awaited Mining Bill, which is expected to clarify grey areas in existing legislation, streamline licensing procedures and strengthen regulation of the gold value chain.
Stakeholders believe the proposed reforms could strike a balance between promoting formalisation, protecting the environment and safeguarding a sector that remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s mining-led economic growth.
