Examining the Challenges and Opportunities for Artisanal Miners in Mt Darwin District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study aimed at examining challenges, opportunities and enabling strategies for the development of artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) and their communities in Mount Darwin District, Zimbabwe. The study employed a descriptive qualitative design. The 8 research participants were purposively selected from the Mount Darwin prominent artisanal miners and community leaders. The data collection methods included interviews, document review and direct observation. The study found that ASM face challenges such as lack of necessary mining equipment, lack of access to electricity, have poor financial credit facilities, lack expertise, lack of progressive legal framework, lack of relevant institutions and environmental challenges. The research revealed that proper functioning of ASM may lead to economic growth, employment creation, increase in level of production thereby improving the livelihoods. The study recommended the use effective policy formulation and implementation, improving administrative and legal framework issues, creation of mining learning institutions and use of technology. Future researchers should deal with the transformation of artisanal and small-scale miners into companies or cooperatives. Keywords: Artisanal and small-scale miners, challenges and opportunities DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-20-04 Publication date: October 31 st 2022