Government Clarifies Stance on Small-Scale Mining: No Ban on Activities

The Zimbabwean government has confirmed that it does not plan to ban small-scale mining activities in the country, despite recent misleading media reports suggesting otherwise. Dr Polite Kambamura, the Deputy Minister for Mines and Mining Development, made it clear that small-scale miners play a crucial role in the nation’s mining industry, and the government values their contributions, particularly in the gold sub-sector.

In an interview, Dr Kambamura addressed the confusion caused by some reports, reiterating that the government has no intention of halting small-scale mining operations. “We did not ban underground mining; we value the contributions coming from the small-scale sector,” he explained. “However, life is sacred, and safety is a priority. While underground mining is not banned, we encourage miners to prioritize safety, especially during adverse weather conditions.”

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the dangers posed by the rainy season, particularly after a recent incident in Makaha, Mudzi, where three small-scale miners were trapped following a mine shaft collapse. He emphasized that his comments regarding the suspension of underground mining were intended as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives of miners.

Dr Kambamura recalled a similar tragedy in February 2019, when 24 miners lost their lives at Battlefields, Kadoma, due to flooding caused by heavy rains. “In light of this, we have advised small-scale miners not to go underground during periods of heavy rain and to resume operations only once weather conditions improve,” he added.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Pfungwa Kunaka, also expressed the government’s recognition of the importance of small-scale gold miners in contributing to the country’s economy. He further clarified that the cautionary measures were aimed solely at protecting miners during the rainy season.

Despite these safety advisories, the government has reiterated its commitment to supporting small-scale miners and fostering a safe working environment for them.