Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s small-scale miners have played a transformative role in the country’s gold industry, contributing 65% of the nation’s total gold output in 2024 and propelling production beyond Government targets.

Official statistics reveal that small-scale miners delivered 23,745.64 kilograms of gold, while primary producers contributed 12,741.11 kilograms, accounting for 35%. This pushed Zimbabwe’s total gold output to 36.5 tonnes, exceeding the Government’s target of 35 tonnes by 21%. The performance also marked an increase from the 30.1 tonnes recorded in 2023.

Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) President, Henrietta Rushwaya, praised the contributions of small-scale miners, saying, “Small-scale miners have once again demonstrated their resilience and capacity to deliver results. Their unwavering commitment has been central to achieving these impressive milestones, which are critical for our country’s economic development.”

Rushwaya also highlighted the need for continued support, adding, “We must prioritise creating an enabling environment for small-scale miners through better access to equipment, funding, and markets. This sector is the backbone of our gold industry and holds immense potential to drive us to the 40-tonne target for 2025 and beyond.”

Rushwaya urged for more robust support systems. “We need to harness the full potential of our miners by addressing their challenges, from access to capital to mechanisation. Their success is Zimbabwe’s success,” she said.

Economic analysts have attributed the remarkable performance to deliberate policies aimed at empowering small-scale and artisanal miners.

Analyst Tinashe Moyo commented, “The success of small-scale miners is no accident. The Government’s efforts to formalise their operations, provide access to loans, and established gold centres have been instrumental in curbing smuggling and boosting official gold deliveries.”

The mining sector, particularly gold, remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy contributing significantly to foreign currency earnings; with the sector’s upward trajectory, stakeholders are optimistic about future prospects.

“Achieving the 40-tonne target for 2025 is realistic if this momentum continues. However, sustaining this growth will require sustained Government commitment and enhanced incentives for small-scale miners,” Moyo said

As the country positions itself as a regional gold leader, small-scale miners are cementing their place as the driving force behind Zimbabwe’s gold boom.