SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASHAVA-Fidelity Gold Refinery Pvt Ltd is stepping up efforts to formalise the informal gold mining sector as part of broader measures to curb leakages and improve transparency in the country’s gold value chain.
The Reserve Bank owned organisation has also opened a gold -buying center at ZB Bank Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Mashava Campus with the facility aimed to reduce travel and security risks, guaranteeing on spot payments upon gold delivery.
Speaking during an engagement programme with artisanal miners in Mashava on Thursday, Fidelity Gold mobilisation manager Francis Maidza said the country’s authorised gold buyer has come up with a package to support artisanal miners.
“We have a robust system in place to support artisanal and small -scale miners. We offer loans to purchase vital equipment -such as compressors, generators and hammer mills to maximise yields for small scale operations,” he said.
He said Fidelity has no restrictions on the quantity of gold it purchases, buying from as less as five grams, to ensure inclusivity of leaving no one and no place behind.
In her remarks during the engagement, Fidelity Gold Refinery public relations officer Kundai Mudzviti said they are issuing Gold Cards, a system she said was aimed to transform the artisanal mining sector.
She said the Gold Card system is a digital traceability and registration programme set to transform operations of artisanal and small -scale miners. She added that, the Gold Card system was a flagship initiative aligned with Government policy to bring order, transparency and value addition to the mining sector which accounts for the bulk of the country’s gold output.
“We are also issuing the Gold Card system which is a game-changer for our sector.
“The system integrates artisanal miners into the formal economy, strengthens compliance and supports government efforts to safeguard national gold resources,” she said urging artisanal miners to take advantage of their visit.
She said the Gold Card will serve as a biometric digital identity for registered miners, capturing production data and claim information while creating a traceable chain of custody from mine to refinery.
This system, she said would ensure the country’s gold meets international responsible sourcing and environmental, social and governance standards.
A miner at Monti Door 22 Dambudzo Mudakari applauded the company for opening a buying center at their doorstep.
“We want to thank Fidelity Gold Refinery for opening a buying center here in Mashava. We no longer need to travel for long distances to Masvingo or Ngundu risking armed robbery cases along the way.
“We also want to thank them for this engagement which is an eye opener for artisanal miners. It is a game changer as most of us have been enlightened and can now access loans to boost production,” she said.
Gold is Zimbabwe’s largest foreign currency earner, with artisanal and small -scale miners contributing between 60 and 70percent of total production.
Formalising the sector through the Gold Card will enhance deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refinery and improve revenue collection, directly supporting economic stability.
