Zimbabwe did not ban ASM mining activities
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Zhemu Soda has reiterated that the government did not ban the activities of artisanal small-scale miners (ASM) but only issued a statement to recommend miners to take necessary precautions during the rainy season.
Speaking at a press briefing in Harare on Thursday Hon Soda said the government did not ban artisanal or small-scale mining but only advised miners to be safe during the rainy season.
“The government of Zimbabwe did not ban artisanal and small-scale miners from mining. It was a misunderstanding. We only issued a precautionary statement meant to ensure miners are safe from incidents or disaster,” he said.
The Minister was referring to the Ministry’s previous Press Conference which made local and international headlines suggesting Zimbabwe had banned Artisanal and Small-scale activities due to safety concerns.
In addition, Hon Soda stated that the government will be rolling out safety training for artisanal and small-scale miners to prevent accidents. He said the Ministry will also hold regular meetings with stakeholders to address mining-related issues.
Hon Soda said the Ministry will have periodic meetings with stakeholders to ensure issues to do with mining are addressed.
“Meanwhile the Ministry of Mines is going to roll out safety training to artisanal and small-scale miners. The training will also ensure how miners can be helped to formalise their operations. Different stakeholders have also advised the government on measures to prevent and stop incidents or disasters. This meeting will not be the last but the Ministry will continue to engage miners,” Hon Soda concluded.