Every citizen must participate in mining, says ZSS...

Every citizen must participate in mining, says ZSSMA

Michael Mashiri

The Zimbabwe Small Scale Miners Association (ZSSMA) is, in partnership with the government, offering gold claims at affordable prices in several areas across the country, a statement from the association reveals.

ZSSMA says this is in line with both the association’s 2023 and 2030 national visions.

“Zimbabwe Small Scale Miners Association (ZSSMA) in partnership with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Mines is giving away gold claims at the most affordable price in pursuance to fulfill our vision 2023 where we encourage every citizen of Zimbabwe to participate in the mining industry, as well as the national vision of 2030 as per His Excellence’s mantra,” read the statement in part.

The claims are located in Kwekwe, Kadoma, Chegutu, Mutawatawa, Mazowe, Chinhoyi, Bulawayo and Masvingo, ZSSMA said, adding that they will offer assistance in the pegging, exploration, paperwork free of charge to ensure clients operate lawfully.

“Each claim covers an area of 10 hectares, with an average of 5-8g per tonne and it’s going for $4 500. Once you pay for the claim, we offer the following services to ensure that you operate within the law frame ie pegging, exploration, geophysics and the paperwork but all these services are done for you by the ZSSMA without any additional charges,” they said.

The ZSSMA also said that those without any experience in mining will receive training through experienced staff who will be deployed to assist so that they can “reach your greatest point of productivity”.

ZSSMA also highlighted that there was literature for free ranging from scripts, books, and magazines made available for free to help new miners in gaining the necessary experience in the trade.

In efforts for a continued relationship with the buyer, ZSSMA would register him or her to be a member to ensure working collectively to achieve the national goals and objectives.

They urged people to see this as an opportunity to join the mining industry, adding that there was a promotion for those below the age of 35 years as the Ministry wants to empower the youths.

“There is also a promotion for those who are below 35 years of age and the women as the Ministry intends to support to the youths, at the same time encouraging ladies to party in the mining sector,” ZSSMA said.

Zimbabwe has set itself an ambitious target of achieving a US$12 billion mining economy by 2023, with gold, diamonds, the platinum group of metals and lithium contributing significantly to the revenue from the extractive sector.