Strategies for sustainable gold processing in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector is considered one of the most important sources of income for both rural and urban communities in Zimbabwe, particularly with diminished access to alternative opportunities. However, gold processing in the ASGM sector is characterised by a lack of capital and limited use of appropriate technology in the processing of gold ores. This paper examines gold processing in the ASGM sector in Zimbabwe and identifies processing gaps that negatively affect the sustainability of the small-scale mining sector in Zimbabwe. The focus was to identify improvement opportunities to make processing more efficient, less destructive to the environment and more meaningful to the operators. Preliminary analysis suggests that the deployment and use of appropriate technology for small-scale gold processing will significantly improve productivity and reduce impact of operations onthe environment. This paper further proposes ways of deploying such integrated and pragmatic interventions to the ASGM sector.