SMALL-SCALE miners in Bubi district in Matabeleland North province say they are facing a cocktail of challenges ranging from lack of mining equipment, poor credit facilities and lack of expertise, among others, thereby hampering smooth operations.
The concerns were raised last week during a virtual debate by Bubi Community Parliament (BCP).
BCP replicates the National Assembly.
These community parliaments conduct debates on social, economic, political and developmental issues and also engage various government authorities on issues of concern raised during debates about their communities.
Bubi-based small-scale miner Delicious Ndlovu said miners faced a lot of challenges, with communities suffering the most.
“Bubi district is both a mining and farming district, but there are beggars, poor and uneducated people because minerals are controlled by the State. The community benefits from employment with low salaries that are not able to sustain their families,” Ndlovu said.
Ndlovu said miners were supposed to engage villagers and landowners if conflicts arose.
“Miners must provide fair compensation for damaged property, crops and relocation costs. Villagers may be relocated to alternative land or housing. Miners must conduct environmental impact assessment to identify potential environmental impacts and develop strategies to mitigate them,” Ndlovu said.
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“The Ministry of Mines, RDCs [rural district councils], or traditional leaders may mediate in the event of disputes. If all fails, the matter may be taken to court for resolution.
“The government and civil society organisations also play a role in ensuring that miners respect villagers’ rights and follow due process.”
