By ZiMining Reporter
SMALL-scale gold miners in Zimbabwe accounted for 70% of total gold deliveries to Fidelity Printers and Refiners last month, setting a new record amid favourable market conditions.
According to Fidelity’s latest data, 3,134 kilograms of gold were delivered to the state refinery in January, reflecting increased mechanisation and skilled labour recruitment in the sector.
Hyde Chatyoka, president of the Emerging Miners Association of Zimbabwe, said small-scale miners are capitalising on strong gold prices and expanding their operations without relying on debt.
“The small-scale mining community welcomes these figures, which align with growing investment in mechanisation, skilled workforce recruitment, and vertical integration along the mineral value chain,” Chatyoka said.
He noted that beyond gold, small-scale miners are also actively contributing to the extraction of chrome, lithium, copper, and other key minerals.
Chatyoka urged the government to recognise small-scale miners’ contributions by including them in contracts and partnerships for mining strategic and bulk minerals. “We hope this achievement will encourage authorities to consider our members for projects in environmentally sensitive areas alongside experienced mining firms,” he said.
