Gvt committed to ensuring miners comply with regulations
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, through the Mashonaland West Province Mining Director, Mr Shingirai Makumbe, has reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring miners comply with regulations through education and providing ample support.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at an artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) stakeholders’ engagement meeting held at Rainbow Hotel in Kadoma on Thursday, the Mashonaland West PMD emphasized that the government and its parastatals are not only there to enforce compliance but also to assist in the growth and development of the mining industry.
“As government entities, we are not only there to ensure compliance,” said Makumbe. “Most government agencies have been highlighting that. We are also there to assist and ensure the development and growth of this sector.”
Makumbe acknowledged the proliferation of artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) and stated that the government is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the sector grows into a world-class industry.
“There are more small-scale miners than large-scale miners because more and more of our people are entering the mining sector as a business,” he said.
“The first thing we need to understand is that mining is a business and should be treated as such. Once one enters mining, they are entering the business stage.”
Miners have been complaining that the government has not been doing enough to educate miners or provide a ground for compliance, leading many to mine unprofessionally.
Speaking during the same stakeholders’ meeting, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Mashonaland West Province Treasurer Johane Sithole said the small-scale mining industry is in need of field officers who should be able to teach and educate miners on responsible mining and sourcing.
“We also need mining field officers. Similar to agriculture, the growth of a sector or industry requires a collective effort between the government and stakeholders. Artisanal miners will not grow without government or Ministry of Mines personnel to help them with best mining practices, promoting sustainable mining. We appeal to the government and the Ministry to routinely monitor small-scale mining activities to educate miners on best practices, rather than only appearing during accidents or gold mobilization,” Sithole added.