Zimbabwe miners gather for planetGOLD conference in Harare
Mining representatives gathered in Harare for a two-day conference on Zimbabwe’s artisanal gold sector, as small-scale operators continue to deliver most of the nation’s gold output. The planetGOLD Zimbabwe Annual Stakeholders Conference brought together government officials, miners, and advocacy groups to discuss sustainability and mercury reduction in small-scale operations.
Small-scale miners produced 23.7 tonnes of gold last year, compared with 12.7 tonnes from large industrial operations, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the country’s total of 36.4 tonnes. Gold deliveries climbed 37 percent to 32.98 tonnes through September, positioning Zimbabwe to reach its 40-tonne annual target.
Government officials pledged to formalize artisanal mining operations and eliminate mercury use, which appears in 96 percent of small-scale gold production. The planetGOLD initiative aims to assist 7,500 miners across 11 districts by promoting mercury-free extraction methods and improving access to financing.
