Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Zhemu Soda (MP)
By Licious Mkuni
Government has rolled out a comprehensive safety and health training programme targeting artisanal small scale miners in the country’s 8 mining provinces.
The free capacitation training programme started on 5 February 2024 and will stretch until April 2024, with provinces given different time slots.
After giving a safety precaution to the small scale artisanal miners to halt operations during the rainy season and resume after the rains have subsided, government decided to use to this break to equip miners with the essential skills and knowledge to operate within the legal framework, adhere to safety regulations, and enhance technical proficiency.
Training in Masvingo, Matebeland South and Mashonaland West provinces started on the 5th of February and according to the Mines Ministry, response from the miners have been overwhelming.
Miners in Midlands and Mashonaland East will receive their training from 19 to 23 February 2024, while in Manicaland, training will start on March 29th to April 16th.
In Mashonaland Central, the programme is scheduled to commence on February 12th to February 16th and in Matebeleland North, training will start on February 26th to the 1st of March.
The training will address challenges associated with this critical sector, such as informal operations and lack of compliance with mining regulations.
In Zimbabwe, most small scale artisanal miners are concentrated in gold mining and facts and figures in the past 5 years have indicated that they are the major contributors of gold deliveries to the Fidelity Gold Refiners.
By promoting responsible mining practices, formalization of operations, and fostering collaboration, the government continues to prioritize the sustainable development of the mining sector in Zimbabwe.
The miners also been encouraged to join associations of their choice to foster networking opportunities and encourage knowledge sharing.
These associations provide a platform for miners to connect with industry experts, professionals, and fellow miners, facilitating collaboration and the exchange of best practices.
In a bid to raise awareness and shed light on the importance of responsible mining practices, the Ministry of Mines has extended an invitation to the media to cover these trainings.
By formalizing their operations, miners can gain access to supportive resources, secure necessary permits, and contribute to the sustainable development of the mining industry.
The initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, under the guidance of Honourable Minister Zhemu Soda, display a commitment to ensuring the well-being and success of artisanal miners.