Govt hailed for gold mining reform push
Zimbabwe’s government has garnered praise for spearheading efforts to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining operations through partnerships that foster transparency and sustainable practices. Mollen Siwella from PlanetGOLD Zimbabwe told a conference in Harare that multiple government ministries work with international groups, financial institutions and local communities to support miners. Small-scale producers delivered 24.45 tonnes of gold through September, representing a 67 percent increase from the previous year, while contributing nearly 75 percent of the national output.
Fidelity Gold Refineries connects remote miners to formal markets through buying centers across mining regions. Total gold deliveries climbed 37 percent to 32.98 tonnes in the first nine months of 2025 compared with 24.02 tonnes a year earlier. Large-scale operations resulted in deliveries decreasing to 8.54 tonnes from 9.55 tonnes.
Cheidza Chipangura from the International Council for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining said partnerships between large firms and artisanal miners reduce conflicts and boost production. She recommended joint ventures and infrastructure sharing based on successful global models. Government policies allowing small-scale miners to retain all foreign currency earnings have supported sector growth.
