HARARE — Government has intensified engagements with gold miners as Zimbabwe sharpens focus on meeting its 2026 gold production targets, underscoring the mineral’s central role in foreign currency generation, economic stability and industrial growth.
The discussions bring together policymakers, large-scale producers and small-scale miners, who collectively account for the bulk of national gold deliveries.
Authorities say the engagements are aimed at aligning production capacity, financing, compliance and value-chain efficiency ahead of the 2026 horizon.
Gold remains Zimbabwe’s top export earner, and officials note that sustained growth in output is critical to supporting the balance of payments, stabilising the local currency and funding key national development priorities under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Small-scale miners, who contribute more than half of annual deliveries to Fidelity Gold Refinery, are expected to remain the backbone of the sector. Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to funding, power supply, geological data and formal markets, while tightening measures to curb leakages and smuggling.
Industry representatives welcomed the engagement framework, describing it as essential for addressing structural constraints such as capital shortages, high operating costs and regulatory inefficiencies that limit productivity.
The renewed focus on gold comes at a time when global prices remain firm, presenting Zimbabwe with an opportunity to maximise mineral revenues through increased volumes, improved recovery rates and enhanced beneficiation.
Authorities say continued collaboration between the State and miners will be key to sustaining momentum and ensuring that gold mining delivers broader economic benefits, including employment creation, rural development and increased fiscal revenues.
