By Admire Chitsungo
Small-scale and artisanal mining continues to play a significant role in Zimbabwe’s economy, with industry representatives and government officials citing its contribution to gold production, employment and community livelihoods.
Zimbabwe Miners for Economic Development president Moses Mupeiwa told stakeholders at an engagement meeting with artisanal miners in Patchway, Kadoma, that the sector has become an important component of the country’s economic structure.
“Small-scale and artisanal mining are now among the main pillars of Zimbabwe’s economy,” Mupeiwa said. “They are directly uplifting livelihoods in rural and peri-urban communities and contributing to economic growth.”
Mupeiwa said the sector accounts for more than 60 percent of gold deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refinery, highlighting its growing contribution alongside large-scale mining.
Small-Scale and Artisanal Miners Association president Evans Ruzvidzo said the expansion of the sector reflects the role of miners in supporting local economies.
“Small-scale miners are not just contributing to gold production, we are also supporting communities through employment creation and local business activity,” Ruzvidzo said.
He urged miners to adopt responsible mining practices to minimise environmental damage and promote sustainability.
Mashonaland West Mines provincial director Elton Shingirai Makumbe said government was working with miners to improve compliance and safety standards.
“The Ministry continues to work closely with miners to ensure that operations are compliant, sustainable and beneficial to communities,” Makumbe said.
He added that Mashonaland West remains one of the country’s leading gold-producing provinces, with small-scale miners playing a key role.
Officials also pointed to ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between mining communities and local authorities, including through infrastructure development and community-focused programmes.
While stakeholders described the sector as a key economic driver, economic analysts say sustained investment in skills, technology and environmental management will be necessary to ensure long-term viability.
Zimbabwe is seeking to grow its mining sector as part of broader economic development plans under Vision 2030.
