ZELA conducts research on formalisation of Artisanal miners
A local Non-Governmental Law Association, Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association is seeking to carry out a research on the formalisation of the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
The organisation’s motivation to carry out this research emanates from the fact that the artisanal and small- scale mining (ASM) formalization is long overdue in Zimbabwe.
“Few alternatives to agriculture are available for rural populations in Zimbabwe and harvesting the much-needed steady mineral-driven economic growth in the mining sector, formalization is of the essence. The Africa Mining Vision underpins a ‘transparent, equitable and optimal exploitation of mineral resources to underpin broad-based sustainable growth and socio-economic development’ to address the lack of maximized value from the extractive sector,” it said in its statement
“Mining sector plays a pivotal role in the economic development of Zimbabwe, contributing more than 60% of export receipts, more than 13% to GDP direct investment into the country. In 2019 the artisanal and small-scale miners contributed 17,478 tonnes (compared to 10,181 for primary producers), which is about 60% of the total gold deliverables of 27.66 tonnes recorded with the Fidelity Printers and Refineries (FPR).”
The association said despite its immense contribution to the economy, the ASM sector is associated with numerous challenges such as environmental degradation, lack of technical skills, funding, smuggling, lack of adequate equipment and machinery and lack of business acumen among others.
“Policy, legal and regulatory framework in Zimbabwe are necessary to limit revenue leakages and mitigate the negative environmental and socio-economic impacts associated with the ASM sector. The key issues to be addressed include the registration of the ASM sector for compliance with laid down regulations, responsible entrepreneurship through access to geological data, sustainable livelihoods for those involved in the ASM sector. Some vital actions include public consultations to ensure that the concerns of necessary stakeholders are taken into consideration whilst making clear the advantages disadvantages of ASM formalization,” it said.
It said its major objectives are to produce a paper assessing the need for formalization of the ASM sector and make policy and legal recommendations to ensure a congenial environment between ASM, large scale miners and the regulatory authorities.
And its specific Terms of Reference are to investigate the background of ASM operations across the mining value chain; highlight the challenges currently associated with the lack of formalization of the ASM sector and benefits associated with formalisation and formulate recommendations of national policy and legal framework on ASM formalization.
On Key Deliverables it said it will produce an analytical paper that will explore current ASM operations in the absence of formalization; and policy and legal recommendations for the formalization of the ASM sector to harness maximum benefit from mining activities in Zimbabwe.
The qualifications would be the consultant must have a law degree and/ or any other relevant degree and have at least 8 years’ experience in national work in the following fields; mineral resource governance, artisanal and small scale- mining and any other related field.
“The Consultant is expected to have the ability to coordinate and moderate the relevant deliberations on the proposed legislation. Interested and qualified Consultants who meet the above requirements should send their application clearly stating how they meet the requirements, a methodology to be used and cost of the consultancy to- [email protected]. The title of the consultancy should be clearly stated in the email subject,” it said. BYO24