Zimbabwe mining executives are calling for the government to accelerate the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining operations, arguing that doing so is necessary to stabilise the sector and integrate miners into the mainstream economy. The appeal is made during the Chamber of Mines Annual Conference 2026 in Victoria Falls. Officials and industry representatives discuss the challenges facing small-scale miners, including the risk that enforcement actions can effectively “criminalise poverty,” according to the outlets.
Both reports say the mining leaders link formalisation efforts to the sector’s future viability, indicating that a clearer legal and regulatory framework could bring more operators into compliance while supporting longer-term economic participation. The New Zimbabwe account places the remarks in the context of a gold mining session sponsored by Mutapa and highlights the urgency of government action.
Overall, the coverage converges on the same policy thrust: faster formalisation of artisanal and small-scale miners, with industry leaders urging the state to adopt measures that reduce criminalisation impacts while improving regulation and inclusion.
