Miners tell Mnangagwa to scrap EPOs
- Small-Scale Miners Urge Government to Scrap Mining Law Hindering Prospect for Gold
- Miners blame elites for monopolising EPOs, holding large areas of land up to 35,000 hectares
- President Mnangagwa pledges to address concerns and promote peaceful mining operations
Gweru, Zimbabwe – Small to Medium-scale miners have called on the Government to repeal a mining law granting exclusive rights to individuals possessing extensive tracts of land under an exclusive prospecting order (EPO). The law has resulted in a scarcity of available claims for prospective miners, hindering the growth of the mining sector.
In a meeting with small to medium-scale miners from across the country, under the banner of Miners for ED, the national coordinator, Mr. Rodrick Mumbire, highlighted that a few elites monopolised EPOs, holding large areas of land up to 35,000 hectares. As a result, most prospective miners are left with limited options for finding new gold deposits.
“Your Excellency, we now have a problem in the mining sector which is affecting your vision of achieving a US$12 billion mining economy.
Addressing the miner’s concerns, President Mnangagwa assured that the Government will look into these issues and rectify the anomalies within the mining sector. He emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders on the ground, stating that decisions should be informed by the miners themselves as they have firsthand experience and knowledge of the industry.
President Mnangagwa acknowledged the significant contribution of small to medium-scale miners, who account for 60 per cent of the total gold output in Zimbabwe. He reiterated his commitment to achieving a $12 billion mining economy, which relies heavily on the growth and success of these miners.
“We have heard of your concerns and I will ask the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to look into the matter. I think they are already aware of what you have just said. You are the ones on the ground so you are the most affected so we take decisions informed by you as miners,” said President Mnangagwa.
Promoting peaceful and harmonious mining operations, the President expressed satisfaction with the declining incidents of violence perpetrated by machete gangs among artisanal miners. Under his administration, known as the Second Republic, a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted towards violence in the mining sector. Miners were urged to respect the rights of one another and avoid illegal mining practices.
“Under the Second Republic, we have said no to violence in the mining sector. We must mine in harmony. If there is a gold rush at (Minister Oppah) Muchinguri’s mine claim we don’t want issues where you go there wrestle her out of her mine and start mining yourself; this should not be tolerated and we want respect. We must mine in peace and harmony,” President Mnangagwa said.
The Government also emphasized its support for women in mining, recognizing their vital role in the industry’s development. Efforts will be made to provide equal opportunities and ensure that women have access to necessary resources and support networks.
As the mining sector plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth, the Government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of small to medium-scale miners and promoting peaceful coexistence within the industry demonstrates its dedication to achieving a robust and sustainable mining economy.