Government says the planetGOLD Zimbabwe project is making real progress in demonstrating mercury-free technologies tailored to the country’s diverse mining conditions.
In a speech read on his behalf by Ministry official Shantel Mutsvairo at the ongoing planetGOLD Zimbabwe Annual Conference, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Dr Thomas Utete Wushe said the project has established demonstration sites for mercury-free technology and is now characterising gold ores.
“Different ore bodies need different processing methods and each site must be meshed with the right technology,” Dr Wushe said.
He said the Ministry has also worked to bring miners together, with several meetings and workshops held with both small-scale and large-scale miners so that they can find ways of working side by side.
On access to finance, Dr Wushe said the project held workshops where artisanal and small-scale gold miners spoke openly about the challenges they face in securing funding.
“Their experiences will guide the solutions that we build,” he said.
To raise awareness on mercury use, Dr Wushe said the message was taken directly to the people through roadshows, complemented by a range of information, education and communication materials.
“The miners and communities can learn about the effects of mercury in ASGM and how they can protect themselves whilst we work on mercury alternatives,” he said.
Dr Wushe said the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development continues to play an important role in providing technical expertise.
“Through the planetGOLD Zimbabwe project, the Ministry is contributing to efforts to identify and promote technologies that respond to the diverse mining conditions and ore characteristics found across the country’s districts,” he said.
He said the Ministry’s focus is to ensure that the transition to mercury-free gold processing is guided by sound technical knowledge, practical experience and solutions that are appropriate to Zimbabwean miners.
“The collaboration is essential to building local capacity, supporting technology demonstrations and promoting the wider adoption of safer and more sustainable gold processing methods,” Dr Wushe said.
He said the project’s objective was to reach every artisanal and small-scale gold mining area in all eight provinces.
“So that no miner and no place is left behind as we make mercury history in Zimbabwe,” Dr Wushe said.
