As Small Scale Miners , We Cannot Afford To Compromise – ZMF

By Ross Moyo

Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) President, Henrieta Rushwaya has urged 2 million artisanal miners under the auspicies of the federation she leads to stop any compromise in mining urging the small scale miners to act responsibly.

Speaking earlier today at the ZMF conference held in Harare today, president Henrietta Rushwaya mentioned it was vital and of utmost importance for miners to be the bastion of human rights, and vanguard for worker’ safety and the environment.

Ms Rushwaya commended the Government for conducting the Responsible Mining Audit last year to promote compliant mining practices in the country.

‘There is a need for stringent safety measures to protect miners and the environment, particularly as the sector strives to meet the 40-tonne gold delivery target to the Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR),’ she said.

“As small-scale miners, we must prioritize shaft safety, drainage systems, and overall site security. We cannot afford to compromise on these fundamental aspects of responsible mining,” she said.

The ZMF proposed a comprehensive way to responsible mining, encompassing planning, operations, marketing, and mine closure.

Her federation plans to develop a tailored environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy for Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector.

Meanwhile speaking at the same event, Minister of Mines and Mining Development reinforced Ruzhwaya’s sentiments stating that artisanal and small-scale miners should practice responsible, sustainable and environmentally conscious mining.

Minister Chitando addressed miners attending the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF)’s annual conference, adding that miners should respect and observe the country’s laws.

‘Mining should be done in a respectable and responsible manner. President Mnangagwa launched the Responsible Mining Initiative. In addition, the Mines and Mineral Act is the principal law when it comes to mining.

‘There are also employment laws, ensuring that all employees have the necessary protective equipment,’ he said.

Responsible mining also entails protecting themselves from diseases such as Hiv and aids that has wreaked havoc at the miners who sometimes get lonely when far from their families trying to irk a living.

Responsibility also means fighting cholera and any other diseases usually conducive in small mining conditions.