Small-scale gold production surges

Of the 7,8 tonnes the country has produced by the end of July, small-scale miners have contributed 1 635 kilogrammes.

According to the statistics, Metallon Gold is the country’s biggest producer of the mineral, accounting for over half of the national production so far.

But the statistics show that production is growing at a faster pace in the small-scale gold mining sector compared to the formal sector.

Finance Minister Tendai Biti said early this week Zimbabwe was on course to attain its targeted gold production of 15 tonnes by year end.

In 2011, the country produced 13 tonnes of gold.

“Makorokoza (panners) are becoming major gold producers in this country. The underlying factors for increased gold production include the continued firming of international gold prices, the liberalised marketing environment and the huge investments being made in the sector,” he said.

Government has this year made efforts to regularise the work of gold panners in a bid to reduce smuggling of the precious mineral.

Plans are also under way to pursue gold refining to maximise the benefit the economy derives from the natural resource. — New Ziana.