BREAKING: Ministry deploys 10teams to clear Mashwest title backlog
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development (MMMD) has deployed 10 teams with ten vehicles to clear Mining Title application backlog in Mashonalandwest province.
Anerudo Mapuranga
Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Mashonaland West Chairperson Mr Timothy Chizuzu praised the government for supporting the formalisation of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining sector.
“As the chairperson for MashWest I’m very happy that the government has moved swiftly to support formalization,” Chizuzu said.
In an effort to achieve the President’s Vision for the Mining industry becoming a US$12 Billion earner by 2023, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development (MMMD) is on a national tour clearing all application backlogs ensuring that miners mine formally.
Since the coming of the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando into office, the mining sector has attracted more locals who have an appetite for investing in the mining sector as a result the provincial offices found themselves in a huge backlog due to the increase in mining title application.
Miners have been complaining over delays in the processing of mining licenses, with applications reportedly dating back to 2018.
Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has been dragging its feet in issuing out mining licenses, with miners citing corruption at provincial mines offices for delays throughout the country.
The government of Zimbabwe launched the USD12 Billion mining industry by 2023 in October 2019 as part of the broader macroeconomic roadmap towards an Upper Middle-Income Economy by 2030.
The USD12 billion mining industry represented a 344% increase in mining revenue. According to the roadmap, the multi-billion-dollar industry will be driven by gold, platinum, diamond, chrome, iron ore, coal, lithium, and other minerals.
President Mnangagwa has put a target of US$4 billion for gold producers while platinum and diamonds are expected to weigh in US$3 billion and US$1 billion, respectively. Chrome, Nickel, and Steel are expected to generate US$1 billion, coal and hydrocarbons are also expected to produce US$ 1 billion. Lithium is expected to contribute US$0.5 billion while other minerals are forecast to produce US$1.5.
Mining Zimbabwe has stressed out for years, the importance of speeding title issuance which has led to many mining illegally leading to the selling of the yellow metal to informal buyers. This move is commendable as it is the first step in the right direction in the fight to combat smuggling.