adminsmall-scale gold miners under “Operation Chikorokoza Chapera” was disrupting production.
“In 2005 we contributed between 50 and 55 percent of the Zimbabwe’s total gold output. We want to revert to the old days especially with equipment support from Government,” he said.
“Our contribution declined due to ‘Operation Chikorokoza Chapera’ which ended up targeting everybody instead of those without licences resulting in some of our miners abandoning mining.”
Government last month unveiled equipment to small-scale miners to increase production.
The equipment included jack hammers and compressors, among other things.
Mr Nkomo said assurances from the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu that mining tariffs increased early this year will be slashed would also boost production.
“If this comes to fruition, certainly it’s a plus for us and we will produce more,” he said.
According to the African Development Bank, Zimbabwe produced 3,126 tonnes of gold in the first quarter of this year, up 6 percent compared with the same period last year.
Small-scale miners produced one-third of the total output. The regional financier attributed the positive performance of the local gold sector in the period to conducive internal and external macro-economic conditions.
Zimbabwe’s mining sector is expected to grow by 15,8 percent this year. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter