Sharon Nyaya
MBERENGWA – The Zimbabwe Safety Health and Environment Council Trust (ZIMSHEC) has launched a “Responsible Gold Mining and Sourcing Toolkit and Training” initiative in the districts of Midlands and Matebeleland South provinces.
The districts involved include Zvishavane and Mberengwa in Midlands, Gwanda and Insiza in Matebeleland South.
The launch took place on November 21 and 22, 2024.
The goal of this initiative is to enhance responsible gold mining and sourcing in Zimbabwe’s Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector.
According to ZIMSHEC the ASM sector is characterized by fatal accidents, with little attention paid to prevention strategies.
“The negative consequences of mining on human health can lead to significant, often unbudgeted expenditures, which can affect the output of mining operations,” said ZIMSHEC director Makumba Nyenje.
“ASGM should prioritize safety and aim to eliminate recurring accidents through training and reinforcing safe behaviors.”
The toolkit and training will cover key areas such as safety, health, environmental impact, and responsible sourcing, aligning with the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct.
Zandile Mvududu, ZIMSHEC’s events director, explained that the initiative aims to develop and implement a Responsible Gold Mining and Sourcing Toolkit while providing training to ASM miners on safety, health, and environmental practices.
“Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is a significant source of livelihood for many communities in Zimbabwe, with an estimated 500,000 people directly involved in the sector,” Nyenje stated. “However, ASM is also associated with high levels of risk, including accidents, injuries, and illnesses. A comprehensive toolkit will support ASM practitioners in adopting responsible practices.”
Key partners for this initiative include the Ministry of Mines and Mining development, the Chamber of Mines, ASM associations, and international organizations.
