The government is moving to empower female miners by pushing for the Mines and Minerals Bill to be legislated soon. This bill aims to provide clear mining title ownership and support for women in the mining industry.
For decades, a single lucrative mining site could be issued to multiple applicants, leading to ownership disputes. To address this, the Mines and Minerals Bill will introduce a “mining cadastre” system. This system will implement a mining information management tool to track and administer mining titles.
“The government is working flat out to remove all those disputes,” said Joseph Mpasi, acting chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines. Speaking at a recent breakfast meeting, he assured that changes in the acquisition of mining rights would be seen soon.
Female miners have faced significant challenges in accessing working capital. In April, they pleaded with the government and banks to allow them to use mining titles as collateral for loans. Mpasi acknowledged this issue, stating, “We need to get proper clarity on loans and collateral.”
Mpasi also mentioned that the Mines minister has allocated funds for artisanal miners. These funds are awaiting processing and will be channeled to the provinces. This support aims to provide much-needed financial assistance to female miners.
Organizations like the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association and the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development have highlighted the severe challenges female miners face. Beyond fighting for mining titles, women miners often deal with sexual abuse, health risks, and a lack of education, advocacy, and financial inclusion.
A documentary produced by the Rural Young Women Support Network showcased these issues. Margret Chogugudza, the network’s director, urged legislators to create policies ensuring the safety, protection, and promotion of young women in mining. “Today is a big day for us as we present research findings highlighting the urgent need for policy reforms,” she said.
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation reports that there are about 50,000 registered small-scale miners in the country, each employing at least 10 workers on average. Small-scale gold miners, including women, contribute 60% of the country’s total gold production, making them the largest forex-earning group.
As the government works to empower female miners, the new legislation aims to provide clear ownership and support. This move is expected to address long-standing issues in the mining sector, ensuring that female miners have the resources and protections they need.
By implementing the Mines and Minerals Bill, the government seeks to create a more equitable and supportive environment for female miners. This step is crucial in fostering sustainable development and addressing the unique challenges women face in the industry.
With the new legislation, the government hopes to resolve ownership disputes, provide financial support, and ensure the safety and protection of female miners. This initiative marks a significant move towards empowering women in the mining sector and promoting their contributions to the country’s economy.
Source: Newsday
