By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Shurugwi small scale and artisanal miners have urged government to ensure their sector contributes to the overall development of the country.
This was revealed by the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) weekly reader released after the Shurugwi District Alternative Mining Indaba (DAMI).
The Indaba was held by ZIMCODD, Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) and Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) on the 21st of May.
In the weekly reader, ZIMCODD stated that artisanal miners must be allowed to operate legally so they get recognition in the country.
‘There has been advocacy for recognition in the mining industry and appealed for tolerance and training on conducting their business legally.
“Youth artisanal miners are being marginalized in the mining industry and there is dissatisfaction as they are not benefiting from mining as there is no deliberate effort to create opportunities in mining for the youth.
“Small scale miners’ major issue was that of regularization on their mines. There is appeal for assistance with a clear outline on procedures of legalising their mines and putting in place affordable fees.”
Small scale and artisanal miners called for the Ministry of Mines to create platforms for them.
“The government must create a platform for youths to participate and benefit from the mining sector. Ensure that the mining sector recognizes artisanal miners, PWD, youth and women. Ensure that registration by the Ministry of Mines must involve consultation with the rural district council.
“Provide mechanism for the promotion of transparency and access to information and development of a mining cadastral that shows the quantum of minerals and their distribution.
“The government is being called for the promote wider participation of stakeholder and community members at the RDC level by ensuring that the RDC consults people and engage them for dialogue instead of only relying on Councilors to represent the whole ward in decisions which concern their livelihoods.”
Mining has remained an income source for a majority of citizens living in mining areas but the challenges posed by the illegal nature of their operations have since mounted.
Despite the mining sector being a huge contributor to the country’s economic turnaround, large amounts are being lost each year through Illegal Financial Flows.
