Vimbai Chinembiri, GPJ Zimbabwe
Sithembile Ndlovu (left), works alongside other gold miners in Zimbabwe’s Colleen Bawn area. The Zimbabwean government is encouraging citizens to mine for gold, a task they weren’t allowed to do under the previous colonial government, but a rush to search for the metal has had environmental consequences.
Gold is now a main driver of Zimbabwe’s shell-shocked economy, with artisanal and small-scale miners leading the charge. More than 1 million of Zimbabwe’s roughly 16 million people are directly engaged in some form of mining work. Here’s a look at GPJ’s reporting on this industry and what it means for Zimbabwe’s economic and political future.
Zimbabwe’s Small-Scale, Artisanal Miners Emerge as Country’s Biggest Gold Producers
Proposed changes to Zimbabwe’s mining laws to recognize and support smaller operations could boost already-burgeoning production.
Q&A: As Zimbabwe’s Gold Rush Surges, Environment Official Cautions Miners
Many artisanal and small-scale gold miners engage in improper and even dangerous mining practices that have damaged the environment and the health of those who live near the mining areas. A discussion with an Environmental Management Agency board member and chairman of the Environmental Management Services committee on this situation.
Women Join Zimbabwe’s Gold Rush
The government is pushing for increased gold production, including by encouraging women to join the ranks of miners, panners and in other roles.
With Economy in Shambles, Zimbabwe’s Gold Miners Risk Mercury Poisoning for Payday
Mercury exposure can lead to serious illnesses or even death. But gold miners in Zimbabwe say they have no other alternative if they want to be successful.
Gold Rush: The Promise of Chinese Money Spurs Zimbabweans To Dig
Zimbabwe’s government says that China has poured millions of dollars into the gold-mining industry, but it’s nearly impossible to tell whether that money makes its way to miners. Despite the uncertainty, the lure of Chinese money has Zimbabweans unearthing increasingly more gold.
