Towards the decriminalisation of artisanal gold mining in Eastern Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper will look at recent move by the government of Zimbabwe to decriminalise artisanal gold mining. Focus will be on ASM activities in Penhalonga, Eastern Zimbabwe where I carried out ethnographic fieldwork through interviewing makorokozas (small scale miners). Results of this research will show the complex nature of formalising ASM largely because of contradictions in policy implementation by the government over time. In the wake of periodic clampdown operations on ASM by the government - the paper will anlyse the relationship between the police and makorokozas. I will demonstrate that although thier relationship was sometimes fraught they were many moments when they negotiated mutually beneficial settlements in the interest of economic benefits accrued from the mining. However, lately, the government of Zimbabwe has introduced new measures that seek to promote the growth of ASM and its decriminalisation. Mining permit application fees have been reduced, environmental impact assessment reports have been scrapped and makorozas are now free to sell their gold without fear of police persecution.