ASM leads to the development of industrial linkage through SMEs
The emergence of the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector has led to the development of industrial linkages through small to medium enterprises (SMEs) which have found a niche in manufacturing mining equipment and consumable supply, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Zhemu Soda said at the Mine Entra small to medium scale mining conference on Friday.
Rudairo Mapuranga
During the 26th edition of the Mining Engineering and Transport Expo (Mine Entra) 2023 held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) held a small to a medium conference where the Minister of Mines was the guest of honour.
Speaking at the ZMF Mine Entra Conference Minister Soda said the ASM has a lot of potential but its progress is hampered by vast challenges that include inadequate funding, equipment, skills, technology and lack of business acumen in some cases.
Minister Soda encouraged all ASMs to join under one umbrella body and applauded ZMF for bringing the ASM sector together.
“As I toured the exhibitions during this edition of Mine Entra, I noted with gratitude that, the emergence of the ASM sector has led to the development of industrial linkages through SMEs which have found a niche in manufacturing mining equipment and supply of chemicals.
“Let me hasten to highlight that artisanal miners have the potential to produce much more and their progress is hampered by a lot of challenges that include inadequate funding, equipment, skills, technology and lack of business acumen in some cases.
“In order to deal with the complexity of artisanal mining and fully realize their economic impact, the artisanal and small-scale miners are encouraged to formalize their operations and continue to unite under umbrella bodies. This enhances the self-governance of the ASM sector and enables miners to speak with one voice in engagements with various stakeholders including Government. I, therefore, applaud various mining groups for joining together under one umbrella body, the ZMF,” the Minister said.