Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Writer
SMALL-SCALE gold miners have set an ambitious production target of 60 tonnes in 2026, calling on the Government to urgently address funding, regulatory and operational bottlenecks to unlock the sector’s full potential.
The small-scale mining sector contributes about 65 percent of gold deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refineries, underscoring its growing importance to Zimbabwe’s mining industry as the Government’s formalisation drive for artisanal and small scale mining (ASM) gains momentum.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Junior Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe (JCMZ) annual general meeting in Bulawayo, JCMZ secretary general Mr Dosman Mangisi said targeted Government intervention was critical to sustaining growth and boosting output.
“We want to increase our production to about 60 tonnes this year, but there are bottlenecks that need urgent attention. Key among them is access to bridge financing. We need a dedicated mining industry loan fund to help miners quickly develop and expand operations. Unfortunately, commercial banks are not user friendly to small-scale miners.”
Mr Mangisi said JCMZ was lobbying for the establishment of a miners’ bank that would be designed specifically to meet the financing needs of small scale miners.
“If we can have a miners’ bank that understands our business model, it will go a long way in growing the sector,” he said.
Mr Mangisi also expressed concern over expired Exclusive Prospecting Orders (EPOs), which he said were constraining expansion opportunities for miners seeking to scale up their operations.
Beyond financing constraints, Mr Mangisi urged the Government to put in place supportive regulatory frameworks, arguing that the sector remains under-exploited despite its proven contribution to national gold output.
In an effort to improve productivity and reduce the cost of doing business, JCMZ is strengthening partnerships with financial institutions, research bodies and academic institutions.
Mr Mangisi said the organisation is working closely with universities and institutions such as the Zimbabwe School of Mines, which are providing technical support and skills development to optimise mining operations.
“We have achieved quite a few positive things. First, there is the issue of technical visits, where we are having full support from universities and other institutions like the Zimbabwe School of Mines. They are helping us with issues of optimising our operations,” said Mr Mangisi.
He said several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) had already been signed with major banks, helping to lower costs, particularly in mineral processing.
JCMZ is also finalising strategic partnerships in the energy sector to address persistent power challenges affecting mining operations.
“We are working on a fuel MoU. A fuel company has come on board to supply bulk fuel at discounted prices, which will significantly reduce operational costs,” said Mr Mangisi.
Small-scale miner Mr Sipho Mafu echoed calls for increased Government support, particularly in exploration and access to essential mining equipment.
“Exploration is key. It helps us understand the resources we are sitting on and determine the lifespan of our mines,” he said.
“We have heard that geological equipment is available, and we urge Government to deploy it across provinces so more miners can benefit.”
Mining experts say sustained growth of the ASM sector will largely depend on full formalisation, which would improve safety and environmental compliance while enabling Government to broaden the tax base and ensure miners benefit from co-ordinated support programmes.
With small-scale miners already forming the backbone of Zimbabwe’s gold deliveries, stakeholders believe targeted reforms and innovative financing solutions could propel the sector to new production highs and further strengthen foreign currency earnings.
