Growth enabling policy formulating strategies for the Zimbabwean Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Sector

Abstract

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Zimbabwe can significantly contribute to the economy and improve livelihoods but an enabling policy environment is lacking to achieve this vision. The government of Zimbabwe (GOZ) regulates ASGM on the basis ofsocio-environmental protection; legal compliance and economic contribution. Past experiences show growth stifling inadequacies in the policy framework arising from conflicts in providing adequate socio-environmental protection and maximising economic contribution. In this study,we examinedthe GOZ‘s policy framework and evaluatedits impact onASGM growth and economic contribution. A review of pastgovernment positions in the articulation and administration of mining license fees, taxes and royalties, environmental laws, mineral pricing and marketing conditions and corresponding reactions from the sector was done. Findings showed that most policy interventions retardedgrowth of the sector and limitedits fiscal contribution. Following these findings, strategies that can be fused into the policy framework were recommended.