Diamond Drilling Exploration for small-scale miners initiated
In an effort to ensure that artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) mine a quantified and defined resource, and to enable them to mine lower grades and deeper, Great Zimbabwe Mining and Exploration Drilling is launching exploration initiatives for small-scale miners, said the company’s Managing Director, Patrick Takaedza.
Rudairo Mapuranga
According to Takaedza, there is limited exploration in Zimbabwe currently due to a lack of ground due to the non-issuance of Exclusive Prospecting Orders (EPOS) with most of the land open for exploration currently in the hands of small-scale miners hence the reason why Great Zimbabwe will focus on the sector.
He said his company was also supporting the government’s initiative of increasing production, formalisation and regularisation of mining in the country.
“There is limited exploration currently happening in the country and certainly no meaningful exploration by local players for various reasons some of which are pretty obvious like lack of ground or rather sterilization of ground available for exploration through the non-issuance of EPOs. This has effectively left land held by either the large corporates or by the ASM, who are our target. So many mineral resources potentially lay undiscovered as exploration technology and methodology have improved over the years but none or little has been tried locally.
“Targeting small-scale miners for mineral exploration was a strategic decision for several reasons. ASM plays a significant role in many economies, including Zimbabwe, providing livelihoods for a large number of people and contributing to local and national economies. By focusing on supporting ASM, we are supporting the government’s initiative in increasing production, formalizing and regulating this sector, and improving safety, environmental practices, and overall productivity. We also want to promote awareness of the value and benefit of exploration not only to the ASM but the government itself.
“Furthermore, our targeting to assist ASM aligns with the government agenda focused on economic development, poverty reduction, and sustainable resource management. By providing exploration support and resources for the ASM we are promoting inclusive growth and helping create opportunities for the generally marginalized sector and communities.
“Apart from these positive impacts, we would like to essentially take a lead in ensuring that these activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably, taking into account environmental, social, and economic considerations. We hope this will inspire the ASM to follow the same,” Takaedza said.
He said Great Zimbabwe Mining and Exploration Drilling do not only wish to quantify the country’s mineral resources but also wish to have mineral resources explored, developed and exploited sustainably.
The company hopes that showcasing the value or exploration will benefit both the ASM and government at both local and national levels through the following;
- Encouraging Investment: If the Government understands the basis of exploration from the company’s approach and perspective, it will create a conducive environment for domestic and foreign investment in mineral exploration probably by offering incentives, streamlining regulations, and providing legal and financial certainty.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Great Zimbabwe also hopes that its activities will encourage collaboration between government entities, private companies, and research institutions to facilitate exploration efforts by combining resources, expertise, and funding.
- Geoscientific Data Collection: Exploration is also an investment in the collection and management of geoscientific data, such as geological mapping, geophysical surveys, and geochemical analysis, that can then provide a foundation for understanding the country’s mineral potential.
- Capacity Building: From the company’s exploration activities within the ASM, Great Zimbabwe hopes to conscientize and support education and training programs in geosciences and exploration techniques that can help build a skilled workforce capable of conducting effective and ongoing mineral exploration.
- Regulatory Framework: Once the company is established and both the ASM and government realise the worth of mineral exploration, Great Zimbabwe Mining and Exploration Drilling hope the government will be persuaded to develop clear and transparent regulations for mineral exploration that can then provide certainty for investors and ensure that exploration activities are conducted responsibly.
- Technology and Innovation: The company hope to bring in new technologies to the ASM, such as remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and advanced exploration techniques, that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of mineral exploration at a very reasonable cost.
- Community Engagement: Great Zimbabwe Mining and Exploration Drilling will also undertake to involve local communities in the exploration process, respecting land rights, and addressing social and environmental concerns that can contribute to the success and sustainability of exploration activities. This way local communities will understand and not resist exploration and mining activities within their communities.
According to the company, by implementing these strategies, Zimbabwe can work towards quantifying and effectively managing their mineral resources, and increasing production, which is crucial for sustainable economic development and resource stewardship.