Mining anticipated to boost agriculture
It is anticipated that the mining sector will reinvigorate Zimbabwe’s economy ,as such farmers are beginning to venture into the mining industry in a way to boost their farming activities. Farmers are looking forward to get hold of mineral claims since minerals are situated in the area they operate in.
Mirirai Melissa Ngoya
The fact that a mining license holds much power than a letter of objection has stirred interest in some farmers as they are beginning to venture into the mining industry. According to the current law in the mining sector, a mining license is very influential hence farmers don’t stand a chance in terms of questioning the operations being done by miners on their farms.
Subsequently, this has been an eye opener to the farmers as they deemed it necessary to venture into the mining industry in order to secure their land and resources.
There have been numerous reports of conflicts between miners and farmers over land issues and this time the Norton Farmers Association (NFA) is opting to take part in the mining activities since their farming lands are being invaded by the small scale miners and in return, they don’t benefit from those mining operations.
The councilor of NFA said, “ignorance made us overlook on the fact that a farmer can also hold a mining claim if he/she discovers that there are potential mineral deposits on that farm”.
He added on saying “with that in mind, we are encouraging every farmer who aspires to be part and parcel of the mining industry to go and register for his / her claim and get a license”
This was raised as an attempt to boost agricultural activities and also as a way of securing their farming lands from the small scale miners.
Further, this initiative can be seen as an opportunity that will significantly boost the farming industry since it is so apparent that agricultural activities are deteriorating due to inadequate water supply . Thus , farmers will now begin to utilise the dual benefits of the land by venturing into mining.
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, Privilege Moyo said ,“farmers can also own a mine, so be wise and secure your lands. There is a lot of gold mineral reserves in your farming lands so it high time for you to get hold of a mining license before someone comes your way.”
It is critical to note that mining and farming are the major industries that are sustaining Zimbabwe’s economy hence it will benefit the nation if farmers are part and parcel of the mining operations.
More so, they can also profit from mining considering the fact that inadequate rainfall has been crippling the industry leading to poor yields . Hence it is a wise idea that farmers are beginning to venture into the mining industry taking full control of their land making sure that small scale miners will not claim authority over their lands.