Lax Government policy fuels surge in artisanal mining

HARARE - A surge in artisanal and small-scale gold mining has been linked to lax government policies, according to the August 2025 FEWSNET report.

The report notes that favourable conditions have led to a 29% increase in gold deliveries by small-scale miners to Fidelity Gold Refinery between January and July. In July alone, artisanal miners accounted for 73% of all gold deliveries.

The report also highlights that poor households are increasingly relying on informal income sources, including mining, petty trade, and casual labour, to meet basic needs.

While the 2025 harvest was above average, many households may still struggle to meet food needs by year-end, relying on in-kind payments for labour.