Artisanal miners from across Zimbabwe are calling for urgent government intervention, citing long-standing neglect and disorganized policy frameworks that have left them exposed to dangerous working conditions and economic exploitation.
The concerns were raised during a recent meeting organized by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), led by activist Farai Maguwu, where miners from various provinces gathered to discuss the systemic challenges they face.
For years, artisanal miners have operated in precarious and often hazardous environments, without access to adequate safety gear, formal recognition, or legal protection. Many have been forced to work in informal and illegal setups, making them vulnerable to exploitation by middlemen and illegal syndicates.
“These miners are contributing significantly to the national economy, yet they continue to be treated as outcasts in the mining sector,” Maguwu said. “They need access to resources, safety protocols, financial services, and training if we are serious about building a sustainable and inclusive mining industry.”
Maguwu emphasized that the lack of government recognition and support has perpetuated poverty in mining communities and left miners operating in a shadow economy, without the protection or benefits that come with formal employment.
At the meeting, participants made a unified call for the government to introduce practical and accessible frameworks for artisanal mining. This includes simplified permit processes, affordable tools and machinery, and training programs tailored to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental management.
Basic infrastructure, such as roads and water access, was also identified as a key requirement to improve operational conditions and boost productivity at mining sites.
“We are not asking for handouts,” one miner said during the session. “We are asking to be seen, to be supported, and to be allowed to work safely and legally.”
Participants also discussed the benefits of organizing artisanal miners into cooperatives, which would give them stronger negotiating power and better access to government services and regulatory oversight. This, they said, would help reduce illegal mining practices, ensure fairer working conditions, and minimize environmental degradation.
Formal structures could also facilitate responsible mining practices that benefit both communities and the environment, rather than the destructive, unregulated activities currently taking place in many areas.
The gathering concluded with a collective appeal for policy reforms that formally recognize artisanal mining as a legitimate economic activity. Miners and stakeholders urged the government to treat the sector as a development priority, with dedicated resources, legal protections, and strategic inclusion in national economic planning.
With the continued rise of informal mining operations and associated environmental and social challenges, stakeholders emphasized that temporary interventions are no longer enough. What is needed is a consistent, long-term commitment from both the government and private sector actors to transform the sector into a sustainable livelihood source for thousands.
The artisanal mining sector—often referred to as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s mineral extraction industry—now stands at a critical juncture, where formal recognition, collaboration, and inclusive policies could transform the lives of many and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
