Staff Reporter
Women in Zimbabwe’s mining sector are being encouraged to treat their operations as formal businesses, with a focus on professional management, sound record-keeping, and sustainable practices.
This shift is aimed at fostering growth and sustainability within the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, which plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economy. Mining Zimbabwe reports that women miners are now being urged to boost their business and technical skills to enhance their impact and credibility in the industry.
Speaking at the Women in Extractives and Development symposium, hosted by the Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (ZAWIMA), ZAWIMA Chairperson Kundai Chikonzo emphasized the importance of structured business approaches
for women in mining.
“Mining should not be seen as a side hustle. It is a business like any other and requires serious attention. I urge women miners to establish formal offices at their sites to manage operations efficiently and adopt rigorous record-keeping practices to attract potential investors and financiers,” said Chikonzo.
According to Chikonzo, effective record-keeping is vital for securing funding. She pointed out that investors want clear records of production volumes, costs, and revenue streams to assess the viability of a venture.
“Without proper records, we risk missing opportunities for growth and financing. Many female miners in Zimbabwe have traditionally viewed mining as a supplementary activity rather than a primary business, limiting their growth potential,” she explained.
Chikonzo further emphasized the importance of a structured hierarchy and reliable personnel on site to maintain operational integrity.
“Women should have systems in place to track all activities at the mine site. This includes understanding machinery usage, fuel consumption, and other costs, such as explosives and drilling. Without these systems, inefficiencies and losses are inevitable,” she stated.
CEO of Young Miners Foundation of Zimbabwe, Payne Kapfuwa noted that familiarity with the mine’s geology can help miners better plan extraction processes and manage costs.
“Knowing your geology is key and you need to thoroughly understand the mineral composition and rock formations at your site. This helps estimate the amount of drilling, explosives, and fuel needed, as well as maintenance costs for machinery, ”he said.
Beyond technical and financial management, women miners are encouraged to embrace sustainable practices. With growing global and local emphasis on environmental responsibility, women in Zimbabwe’s mining sector have the opportunity to lead by example by adopting environmentally friendly and ethical approaches. This will further boost their credibility and open doors to international partnerships.
Through improved operational systems, budgeting, and in-depth geological knowledge, women miners can ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of their ventures.
