Online Reporter
Fortune Makoni, [email protected]
ARTISANAL and small-scale gold miners in Bubi District have been urged to handle mercury safely and responsibly while adopting improved gold processing technologies to protect their health, safeguard the environment and enhance sustainable mining practices.
The call was made during a mercury awareness campaign organised by planetGOLD Zimbabwe in partnership with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), as the country intensifies efforts to reduce mercury pollution and promote responsible artisanal mining.
The campaign, held through a roadshow at Mahamba and Queens business centres in Bubi District on Monday, brought together artisanal and small-scale miners, police officers and officials from the ministries of Mines and Mining Development, Health and Child Care, and other stakeholders.
Participants were educated on the dangers associated with mercury exposure, including damage to the brain, nervous system and kidneys.
Facilitators warned that pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to mercury poisoning, noting that some female miners often bring toddlers to mining sites thereby exposing them to hazardous substances.
The awareness campaign also highlighted how improper handling and disposal of mercury contaminates rivers, soil and aquatic ecosystems, posing long-term risks to communities, livestock and biodiversity.
Bubi District health promotion officer, Ms Nonhlanhla Moyo, urged miners to reduce their exposure to mercury and observe safe handling practices.
“Mercury harms the body gradually and often without immediate symptoms, making it a silent threat to human health,” she said.
EMA district environmental officer for Bubi, Mr Proud Sibanda, urged miners to adopt environmentally responsible mining methods.
“Mercury pollutes our environment. Responsible mining protects our water, soil and communities,” he said.
A representative from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development implored artisanal miners to formalise their operations, saying registration opens the door to improved technical support, safer mining methods and increased productivity.
“Formalisation provides miners with access to technical knowledge, improved productivity and safer mining technologies. Miners should obtain prospecting licences, which cost US$75,” the official said.
Local small-scale miner Ms Sibonile Ngwenya called for peace and responsible behaviour within mining communities.
“We discourage violence against women, conflicts among miners and other criminal activities. Miners should not neglect their health in pursuit of gold,” she said.
A representative from planetGOLD Zimbabwe said the programme remains committed to supporting artisanal and small-scale miners through safer gold extraction technologies, responsible mercury management and continuous awareness campaigns aimed at improving environmental stewardship and occupational health.
