Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
YOUNG miners in Manicaland have been urged to transform mining from a survival activity into sustainable businesses.
Speaking at a Young Miners Foundation training workshop held at the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences today, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said Government was committed to empowering young people to play a leading role in the country’s mining sector.
“For too long mining was done informally. Register your claims and companies because a registered business can access finance, markets and enjoy the full protection of the law,” said Minister Mugadza, also urging miners to prioritise safety, avoid illegal gold buyers and reinvest their earnings into growing their operations.
Young Miners Foundation Manicaland chairperson, Mr Ngonidzashe Maobvera said young people should stop viewing mining as a poverty-driven activity.
“We are not here just as diggers. We are here as business people,” said Mr Maobvera, encouraging colleagues to formalise their claims, keep proper financial records, embrace value addition and work through cooperatives to improve access to markets, training and funding.
Ninety participants received certificates after being trained in business management, financial literacy and mine safety at the workshop today.
