**Harare**: During a recent meeting, small-scale miners urged local suppliers to avoid inflated pricing, which they argue threatens the sustainability of their sector. The Zimbabwe Miners Federation aims to enhance collaboration while protecting miners’ interests and boosting the local economy amid rising costs.
During a meeting held in the capital, representatives from Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector discussed critical challenges facing their industry, particularly the issue of inflated pricing by local suppliers. The gathering, organised by the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), aimed to enhance collaboration between suppliers and miners, who are integral to the nation’s mining economy.
Chiedza Chipangura, a small-scale miner from Mashonaland West, emphasised the need for local suppliers to act responsibly and avoid excessive markups on their products. During her address, she highlighted that many suppliers are acquiring goods at low costs from sources such as China but are imposing significant price increases when selling to miners. “Local suppliers must act with integrity and responsibility when dealing with the small-scale mining sector. These miners are not only the backbone of our economy but also key players in job creation and rural development,” Chipangura stated. She urged suppliers to offer fair prices in order to maintain the health and sustainability of the sector.
Chipangura further warned that if the trend of inflated prices continues, miners may be compelled to seek alternative options, including the direct importation of equipment. “If the prices aren’t fair, miners will have no choice but to bypass local suppliers and import equipment on their own. That would leave suppliers out of work and harm the local economy,” she said. She advocated for a cooperative effort within the value chain to foster mutual growth and benefit.
The ZMF, representing over 1.5 million miners, is striving to provide a platform that facilitates direct engagement between suppliers and miners while promoting transparency and accountability. Officials from the ZMF expressed their hopes that improved communication and collaboration would motivate suppliers to adjust their pricing strategies to better align with the realities faced by small-scale miners.
Participants at the meeting raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of continued profiteering, suggesting it could undermine efforts to formalise the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. Given that small-scale miners contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s gold production, any disruption to their activities could have pronounced economic implications.
As the sector employs over half a million Zimbabweans, ensuring reasonable pricing by local suppliers is deemed crucial for the sustainability and long-term success of small-scale mining operations. Beyond protecting miners’ interests, sourcing from local suppliers can also enhance operational efficiency, as it allows for quicker access to necessary resources. With the stakes high, the ongoing dialogue between miners and suppliers will be pivotal in shaping the future dynamics of Zimbabwe’s mining landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
