derick.khumalo
Eliah Saushoma
[email protected]
The President of the Zimbabwe Indigenous Miners Association (ZIMA), Silingiwe Masuku, has called on young people and women involved in the mining sector to participate in the Mining Indaba Dialogue scheduled for September as part of the FESTAC Zimbabwe.
The call follows the signing of a partnership agreement between Zimbabwe Indigenous Miners Association and FESTAC Zimbabwe to host sector-specific dialogues aimed at strengthening the link between culture, commerce and responsible mining.
Ms Masuku said the partnership aligns with the national development agenda championed by Emmerson Mnangagwa under Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
She said the Mining Indaba Dialogue will feature a dedicated Youth and Women in Mining Conference to ensure that these groups are afforded an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth and transformation of the sector.
“Vision 2030 says no one should be left behind. That includes young people and women working in the shafts and alluvial mining sites,” she said.
“When we formalise small-scale mining and add value to our minerals locally, we are building the economy from the ground up. As the President says, a nation is built by its people, and miners are an integral part of that nation-building.”
Ms Masuku said ZIMA’s mandate is to promote responsible, sustainable and profitable mining among indigenous and small-scale miners for the benefit of its members and the country at large.
“Better mining practices mean safer workplaces, environmental rehabilitation, traceable minerals and proper record-keeping,” she said.
“When we mine responsibly, we command better prices, attract investment and increase revenue for national development. That is how mining benefits both the miner and the nation.”
The Mining Indaba Dialogue will focus on key issues affecting the sector, including formalisation, occupational safety, regulatory compliance, mineral beneficiation, access to finance and export readiness.
ZIMA is targeting youth and women miners from all provinces, including Mashonaland Central, Midlands and Matabeleland South, to ensure broad national representation in discussions expected to shape the future of Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
“Youth bring innovation, technology and fresh ideas on beneficiation. Women already lead many artisanal mining operations, yet they are often excluded from trade and export opportunities,” said Ms Masuku.
“We want young people to see mining as a viable career rather than a last resort. We also want women to move beyond pit-side production and participate meaningfully in export markets and mineral value chains.”
As part of FESTAC Zimbabwe, exhibitors will showcase locally produced gemstones, gold jewellery and granite products, highlighting mining as an important pillar of Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and economic heritage.
Recognising that transport costs remain a major obstacle for many miners, particularly those from remote areas, Ms Masuku said ZIMA is engaging development partners and stakeholders to assist with travel arrangements, especially for sole breadwinners who might otherwise be unable to attend.
“Dialogue must translate into practical outcomes such as the formation of cooperatives, skills development, business partnerships and improved market access,” she said.
“If we mine better as an association, the nation mines better too. That is Vision 2030 in action.”
FESTAC Zimbabwe will be held from September 28 to October 3, with registration for the Mining Indaba Dialogue now open through ZIMA.
