As Zimbabwe advances in its commitment to eliminate mercury use in gold mining, the spotlight has now shifted to the country’s artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM).
By Rudairo Mapuranga
With a government-backed target of reducing mercury use by 4.85 tonnes in five years under the Planet Gold Zimbabwe initiative, the question many are asking is whether small-scale miners are ready to embrace the coming change.
The move, supported by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, is part of Zimbabwe’s obligations under the Minamata Convention. Yet despite the bold ambition, the ASGM sector, which contributes over 60 per cent of the country’s gold output, is still deeply reliant on mercury due to lack of affordable alternatives.
Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) CEO Mr. Wellington Takavarasha, speaking to Mining Zimbabwe on the sidelines of Planet Gold Zimbabwe mines bill and mineral bill analysis workshop, said the transition is both necessary and urgent, but admitted it must be managed carefully.
“Mercury is harmful, not only to the environment but also to the miners themselves. We understand the need to move away from it. But miners cannot just be expected to stop using it overnight without proper support and alternatives,” he said.
The Planet Gold Zimbabwe project, led by Project Manager Ms. Nyaradzo Mtonhori, is designed to address that gap. She said that the programme will introduce mercury-free gold processing technologies across 11 districts, with pilot profiling already underway. The National Metallurgical Laboratory is currently analysing ore samples to determine suitable non-mercury processing systems per region.
“The project is not just about banning mercury. It is about empowering miners with safer and potentially more productive technologies. We are training them, walking with them through the change, and ensuring they are not left behind,” said Mtonhori.
Technologies under review include gravity concentration, shaking tables, and chemical-free flotation processes. These methods are safer and more sustainable but require initial investment and capacity building.
Mtonhori acknowledged concerns within the sector. “We’ve heard some say, ‘this is all talk,’ or ask if it’s practical. That’s why our approach is rooted in evidence. We’re working with real miners, under real conditions, to demonstrate that this can work.”
The core of the worry from miners is that the transition will either come with prohibitive costs or criminalise those who fail to comply quickly enough. In areas like Gwanda, Penhalonga, and Mazowe, where ASGM is a livelihood for entire communities, miners have expressed mixed feelings about the new requirements.
“If mercury is banned, will we be arrested for continuing to use it? What will we use while we wait for the new machines?” asked one miner.
ZMF’s Takavarasha has been vocal about ensuring the mercury phase-out does not create an environment of victimisation. “The government must avoid treating miners like criminals. The rollout must be coupled with education, incentives, and support,” he said.
Planet Gold Zimbabwe has already launched community awareness campaigns, stakeholder meetings, and training sessions. According to Mtonhori, this is key to the programme’s success.
“You can’t bring in equipment and expect immediate adoption. We are not forcing anyone. We’re informing them, showing them the dangers of mercury and the benefits of safer methods,” she said.
The government has also pledged support, but funding remains a major concern. While Planet Gold Zimbabwe has access to a 24-million-dollar fund, reaching every miner remains a monumental task.
“We need to scale this programme. That means engaging local councils, millers, financiers, and NGOs. Everyone has a role to play,” said Mtonhori.
Beyond health and environmental concerns, there is also an economic incentive. Planet Gold Zimbabwe says some of the alternative technologies have shown higher gold recovery rates than mercury. This could be a game-changer for miners.
“Safer mining can also mean more profitable mining,” said Mtonhori. “That’s what we want miners to see for themselves.”
Takavarasha said ZMF is ready to work with the government to expand the reach of these technologies.
“We want to set up shared processing centres. Imagine a ward having a clean, government-supported milling plant where miners pay less and recover more gold without using mercury. That’s what success looks like,” he said.
There is also talk of possible incentives to accelerate the transition, such as tax breaks for mercury-free operators, funding schemes for equipment purchase, and even ESG-linked support from larger companies through Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.
But the success of the mercury phase-out ultimately hinges on policy clarity, strong partnerships, and grassroots trust. Miners are wary of abrupt legal changes, hidden costs, and inconsistent enforcement.
“Let us be clear: this is not about banning mercury to punish miners. This is about helping Zimbabwe lead in clean, safe, and profitable gold mining. The sector must be protected during the transition,” said Takavarasha.
As Zimbabwe looks ahead, its ability to balance environmental goals with economic realities will determine whether the mercury-free mandate becomes a story of success or lost opportunity.
The coming months will be critical. As Planet Gold Zimbabwe prepares to roll out its technologies and as Parliament deliberates the new Mines and Minerals Bill, the stakes are high, not just for gold production, but for the health of a sector that employs hundreds of thousands.
The future of mining in Zimbabwe is being rewritten, and the world is watching to see if Zimbabwe’s miners are given the tools and trust to write their chapter the right way.
