By Shadreck Gurenje
Mines and Mining Development Minister Hon Winston Chitando said the ongoing gold mobilization exercises remain a key and highly relevant component of our ongoing strategy to curb the leakage of the yellow metal within the sector.
Speaking during the 2025 First quarter of Gold Mobilisation workshop in Harare, Minister Chitando said the gold sector in Zimbabwe is of paramount strategic importance to the country’s national economy.
“The gold sector in Zimbabwe is of paramount strategic importance to our national economy, serving as the crucial backing for our currency. Furthermore, robust gold production is a key pillar in the attainment of the National Development Strategy 1 and our national aspiration for an upper middle-income society by 2030.
“As you are aware, the Zimbabwean Gold (ZiG) derives its strength from our national gold reserves. This strategic policy decision reflects the government's steadfast commitment to the restoration of confidence in our monetary system and economic stabilization.
“To ensure the full efficacy of this key initiative, it is therefore essential that all gold produced within Zimbabwe is channeled through the established formal structures, specifically the Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR),”said Minister Chitando.
Minister Chithando commended the first quarter of 2025 statistics for gold deliveries which he elaborated that demonstrates the significant contribution of the mining stakeholders.
“For the First four months of 2025, the statistics for our monthly gold deliveries demonstrate the significant contribution of our mining stakeholders. In January, we recorded a total purchase of 3,13 tons of gold.
“This momentum continued into February and March with 2.56 tons and 2,79 tons respectively. These figures underscore the inherent potential within our gold sector and the dedication of our miners in particular.
“Aggregating this performance for the first quarter of 2025, we see a total gold delivery of 8.50 tons which is well above the target of 7 tons set for the First Quarter of 2025. This demonstrates a solid start to the year and provides a strong foundation upon which to build.
“A closer examination of the production analysis reveals a familiar pattern that highlights the critical role played by our small-scale producers. In January, February and March 2025 their contributions were a substantial 2.27 tons, 1.64 tons and 1.86 tons respectively showing an average monthly contribution of 68% of the total production.This consistent performance underscores the effectiveness of our ongoing efforts to formalize and empower this pivotal segment of our industry,”said Minister Chitando.
Minister Chitando also thanked the primary producers who also played a significant role in their produces in the first quarter of 2025 saying their efforts forms a vital anchor for the overall gold production in the country.
“Our primary producers also played a significant role, contributing 32% of total production during the period under review. However, although their consistent output forms a vital anchor for our overall gold production in the country, there is need for their output to reflect increased capital and effort invested in this segment.
“It is important to acknowledge, however, the significant challenges that continue to face our gold mining sector. Foremost among these are illicit activities and the ongoing issue of gold smuggling. Due to its inherent nature as a high value and low volume commodity, gold is particularly susceptible to leakages to various international markets,”said Minister Chitando,”said Minister Chitando.
Minister Chitando also reiterated the call for unity and working together, building on the progress that have been made in the early months of 2025 to ensure that gold resources contribute fully to the prosperity and development of the nation.