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Manicaland Correspondent
Chimanimani youths are set to benefit from Government special grants for small-scale gold miners under the youth empowerment objectives.

Chimanimani East Constituency Member of Parliament Cde Joshua Sacco said small-scale gold miners in 13 wards have been prioritised since mining is key to economic transformation for people in Chimanimani who are reeling from the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai.

“Gold add a lot of value to our economy,” he said. “We are currently identifying all willing youths who want to venture into mining and those who have already been in mining. It will also be part of youth empowerment. We will assist them with mining equipment so that they practise good methods of mining which are also safe for them.

“The formalisation of small-scale gold miners is not only good for the Government, but for the environment as well. These miners will be educated on how to practise safe and standard mining methods. This will help safeguard the environment, which is prone to destruction if miners are not regulated and formalised.”

Bonny Eagle Miners group has already benefited from the special grants which will also see more groups benefiting from the initiative.

Cde Sacco made it clear that the small miners groups would be monitored so that in future the land could be used for other activities.

“These miners will be expected to adhere to mining requirements and regulations,” he said. “The land should be used latter for other activities like farming. Land reclamation will be done for agriculture, which is also a major activity in Chimanimani.”