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By Tabonga Gijimah
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, yesterday urged small-scale miners to formalise operations and adopt responsible practices during the Minex Expo held in Zvishavane.
Speaking at the Southern Region Minex Expo at Gresham Primary School Grounds, Kambamura emphasized that formalisation is key to empowering miners and transforming them into recognized business operators who can access funding and government support.
He noted that the small-scale mining sector plays a critical role in poverty alleviation, rural development, and economic inclusion, with many livelihoods depending on its activities across the country. Under the theme “Upscaling Small Scale Mining for National Growth: Formalise, Capitalise, Educate,” the Minister highlighted the need for improved access to finance, technical skills, and institutional support to grow the sector.
Kambamura also called for fairness within the mining value chain, urging suppliers of equipment and services to avoid exploiting miners and instead promote shared benefits.
On environmental issues, he stressed the importance of responsible mining practices, warning against activities that pollute water sources, leave dangerous open pits, and damage grazing land.
He added that miners must prioritise safety and plan for their future by investing in pension and insurance schemes to ensure long-term security.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Miners Munyaradzi Hwengwere said the programme serves as a bridge between small-scale miners and key stakeholders, including financiers, gold buyers, equipment suppliers, and insurance providers. Hwengwere added that the initiative is part of efforts to capacitate small-scale miners and boost gold production towards the national target of 50 tonnes annually.
The Minex Expo comes as the government intensifies efforts to grow gold output to 50 tonnes annually, with small-scale miners expected to play a leading role in achieving the target.
Speaking at the Southern Region Minex Expo at Gresham Primary School Grounds, Kambamura emphasized that formalisation is key to empowering miners and transforming them into recognized business operators who can access funding and government support.
He noted that the small-scale mining sector plays a critical role in poverty alleviation, rural development, and economic inclusion, with many livelihoods depending on its activities across the country. Under the theme “Upscaling Small Scale Mining for National Growth: Formalise, Capitalise, Educate,” the Minister highlighted the need for improved access to finance, technical skills, and institutional support to grow the sector.
Kambamura also called for fairness within the mining value chain, urging suppliers of equipment and services to avoid exploiting miners and instead promote shared benefits.
On environmental issues, he stressed the importance of responsible mining practices, warning against activities that pollute water sources, leave dangerous open pits, and damage grazing land.
He added that miners must prioritise safety and plan for their future by investing in pension and insurance schemes to ensure long-term security.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Miners Munyaradzi Hwengwere said the programme serves as a bridge between small-scale miners and key stakeholders, including financiers, gold buyers, equipment suppliers, and insurance providers. Hwengwere added that the initiative is part of efforts to capacitate small-scale miners and boost gold production towards the national target of 50 tonnes annually.
The Minex Expo comes as the government intensifies efforts to grow gold output to 50 tonnes annually, with small-scale miners expected to play a leading role in achieving the target.
Published
April 10, 2026 at 6:00 AM
