Zimbabwe is on the brink of surpassing its annual gold delivery target of 35 tonnes, with 32 tonnes already delivered to Fidelity Printers, a security printing and gold refinery company, by the end of November, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando announced.
Speaking at the fourth-quarter gold mobilization send-off ceremony in Harare, the official expressed optimism that the country could exceed the set goal, projecting deliveries could reach as high as 37 tonnes by year-end.
“Zimbabwe's gold sector holds immense significance for the country's economy and foreign currency generation. [...] The gold is one of the anchors of our currency, the ZiG. Maximizing gold deliveries increases reserves and strengthens our currency,” Chitando was quoted as saying.
Gold deliveries in October and November totaled 4.17 tonnes and 3.7 tonnes, respectively, according to the minister. With five tonnes needed in December to reach the 37-tonne mark, the minister encouraged miners to maintain the current momentum, according to local reports. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting artisanal and small-scale miners through initiatives like formalization, access to technology, and financial assistance.
At the same time, the minister emphasized the need for adherence to mining regulations, including labor, environmental, and financial laws. To ensure compliance, eight teams have been deployed nationwide, excluding Harare and Bulawayo, to monitor mining activities and identify illegal operations, reports said.
“All laws, from labor to environmental provisions, must be observed. Teams deployed nationwide will ensure compliance and monitor production channels,” he was quoted as saying.