ZELA develops models for small scale miners

TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO 

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) has developed an Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM) model to help alleviate challenges that are militating against the growth of the sector.

Speaking at a Zimbabwe Mining Indaba 2022, ZELA mining engineer, Tatenda Mapooze (pictured) said artisanal and small-scale miners were important as they contribute about 60% of total gold delivered to Fidelity Gold Refinery.

According to research small-scale mining refers to operations conducted by individual people or small groups as opposed to larger companies.

It is estimated that about 50% of gold output mined by artisanal and small-scale miners is lost to smuggling.

Mapooze said social economic developments that come from the mining activities by artisanal and small scale miners are officiated by a number of challenges which include restricted access to mining space, poor safety, health and environmental practices, child labour.

“The policy also looks at creating employment and making sure that the sector contributes to the nation’s economy through payment of taxes. Also, occupational and health standards promote implementation of environmental impact assessments,” he said.

Mazoope said most women are affected in the mining sector, as there are barriers to entry.

“There is a lot of stigmatisation and abuse so the policy is trying to address some of these issues including child labour policy that is prohibited in the artisanal and small scale mining sector,” he said.

Women in ASM are also exposed to harmful effects of physical, chemical and economic hazards that compromise their occupational safety and health conditions.

Although there is a critical lack of data, women are believed to account for up to 10% of Zimbabwe’s estimated 535 000 people who earn a direct livelihood from the ASM industry.

Mazoope said the model policy clarifies that communication should come through the Ministry of Mines.

“The model policy addresses the issues of transparency; miners should give a profile of financial reports and submit the production statistics and contracts signed.

“The model policy clarifies that communication should come through the Ministry of Mines and is responsible to communicate using electronic methods, media publications using all languages in Zimbabwe are responsible for monitoring of the model policy,” he said.

According to statistics, over 1.5 million people are engaged in artisanal mining activities yet only an estimated 25 000 are registered.