Chronicle Editor
Johnsias Mutonhori, Midlands Correspondent
THE Midlands chapter of the Miners for Economic Development (Miners4ED) has said it is directing its efforts towards mobilising youths and women to venture into mining, foster collaboration and harness technology to achieve growth in the sector and the country’s economy at large in line with objectives of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
The association which was formed in 2022, said increased production and revenue generation in the mining sector could be achieved if stakeholders who included youths and women have a clear understanding of the national mining roadmap and the importance of mining as was one of the economic pillars of the country.
Chairperson of Midlands Miners4ED chapter Mr Cris Mahara said the association is an affiliate of Zanu-PF, because of the party’s people centred and empowering development trajectory’s renewed focus was on the growth of the mining sector.
He highlighted the importance of including youth, women, and small-scale miners in fulfilling the aspirations of the Second Republic of leaving no-one and no place behind in economic development.
“The elections are now concluded, and the association is returning to its founding ethos of addressing the pressing needs of the mining sector and continuing the work towards achieving Vision 2030. Miners4ED aims to leverage the expertise and resources of its members to drive the development of the mining sector.
“With a membership of experienced miners and industry experts, the association possesses valuable insights and knowledge that can contribute to the sector’s growth and the country’s overall GDP. To achieve its objectives, Miners4ED plans to collaborate with key stakeholders, including government bodies, industry leaders, and local communities. This collaboration will identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of mining operations,” he said in an interview last week.
Mr Mahara added that the association was committed to promoting innovation, technological advancements, and best practices within the sector. By doing so, Miners4ED aims to ensure that Zimbabwe remains competitive in the global mining landscape.
Vice-Chairperson of Miners4ED Midlands chapter, Mr Edwin Fundira, highlighted the association’s focus on addressing the challenges hindering the growth of small-scale mining, which has become a significant revenue generator in the mining sector.
“We have placed small-scale miners at the centre of our agenda to push for the growth of the mining sector, which has since surpassed large-scale mining in terms of revenue generation,” said Mr Fundira.
He pointed out the existing anomalies that hinder small-scale mining operations, including the limited participation of women and youth. Mr Fundira mentioned that Miners4ED was actively advocating for the removal of the Exclusive Prospective Order (EPO), a law that he said had resulted in the declining number of available claims for prospective miners, thus impeding the growth of the mining sector.
“There are elites who have monopolised EPOs, holding large tracts of land, which has left prospective miners without access to mining land, hindering the achievement of targeted revenue from the mining sector,” he said.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter