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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
Government has been urged to facilitate access to lines of credit and affordable equipment for youths in mining as part of efforts to empower them and stimulate production to boost economic growth in the country. The call was made by Zimbabwe Youth in Mining Foundation patron Mr Benjamin Mazarire who said it was high time Government assisted young miners to encourage organised mining ventures.

Mr Mazarire said the new political dispensation required a paradigm shift with Government duty-bound to open up the lucrative mining industry to more young people to stem unemployment and boost exports of minerals such as gold that earn the country hard currency.

He decried challenges faced by youths in acquiring essential machinery for mining despite playing a key role in the extraction of minerals countrywide.

“We have vibrant groups of youths in mining across the country with potential to contribute immensely to production of gold and chrome, which are key in boosting mineral exports and earn the much-needed foreign currency.

“We appeal to Government to make it easy for youths to access lines of credit,” said Mr Mazarire.

Recently, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe launched the Gold Development Fund, which has quadrupled from an initial war chest of $20 million to $80 million.

The fund is aimed at capacitating artisanal miners to procure modest equipment.

Available information show that more than 300 small-scale miners countrywide have so far accessed the fund though a significant number remain unaware of its existence.

The fund offers a maximum loan of $15 000 repayable over three years. Mr Mazarire, who operates Summerton Gold Mine in Masvingo said youths were the future of the country’s mining sector and deserved maximum support.

The Zimbabwe Youth in Mining Foundation wanted young people to use modern machinery in their operations while also ensuring that they adhere to Environmental Management Agency’s requirements.

“We are trying to secure machinery for all members of the Youth in Mining Foundation. The challenge is that many youths are unable to access the RBZ Gold Development Fund due to a number of factors.

“We are appealing to Government to assist them in this regard through relaxing conditions for accessing the loans,’’ said Mr Mazarire.

Mr Mazarire warned youths against smuggling the precious mineral out of the country.