Latest news with #artisanalminers
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Moving gold, moving economies: The rise of migrant women in Zimbabwe's mining sector
Moving gold, moving economies: The rise of migrant women in Zimbabwe's mining sector A few years ago, she crossed into Zimbabwe from Mozambique with nothing but her youngest child, a small backpack, and the hope of a better life. Today, she is part of a growing network of migrant women shaping the country's mining economy. An infographic outlining migration patterns from the country of origin to the area of settlement. Women as Economic Architects Across Zimbabwe's artisanal gold fields, stories like Faith's are no longer rare. Women, once invisible in mining, are now taking their place at the centre of an industry long dominated by men. And not just local women, many have journeyed from across borders. In the dynamic mining corridors of Zimbabwe, from Penhalonga to Mazowe, a quiet revolution is reshaping the landscape. It's not led by bulldozers or corporations, but by women, with tools in hand, business savvy in their minds, and community at heart, they are building economies, networks, and futures. These women are not passive participants in a tough trade. They are pioneers in a regional transformation, connecting communities, creating markets, and aligning naturally with the vision of a borderless, prosperous Africa. Women from across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia are making strategic moves to mining centers not out of desperation, but out of ambition. Whether traveling internally or across borders, they arrive equipped with a will to work, a knack for trade, and a strong sense of community. An image visualiser, showing women miners in action Mining as a Launchpad, Not a Destination Migrant women play their role in Zimbabwe's artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. They are miners, traders, cooperative leaders, safety advocates, and value-chain entrepreneurs. With each gram of gold they produce or trade, they are investing in their families, their communities, and the regional economy. Many of these women are experienced market traders, farmers, and informal entrepreneurs. When economic pressures or climate shifts affect their home regions, they view mining hubs like Mazowe or Bikita as opportunities, not just to earn, but to grow. 'Mining offered me the capital I needed to scale up my business,' says Miriam, a miner originally from Mozambique. 'I came to dig, but I stayed to build.' Rather than being locked into the mine, women are using mining as a stepping stone into other ventures: poultry, retail, construction, and cross-border trade. It is a deliberate strategy, not a last resort. Mining by the Numbers: A Sector Shaped by Women Zimbabwe's ASM sector employs an estimated 535,000 people. According to the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association, women represent between 10% and 15% nationally. In some districts like Mazowe or Penhalonga, they make up nearly half of the workforce. While official data doesn't always capture migration, field evidence shows that migrant women form a vital backbone of mining site economies, especially in high-traffic gold zones. Nowhere is this impact more visible than at Jumbo Mine in Mazowe. Once a conventional gold field, the site has transformed into a mini trading hub, largely due to the work and vision of women. Image showing women miners in Mazowe at work Migrant women miners and traders from neighboring countries have built a thriving, self-sustaining local economy. They've attracted tailors, food vendors, mobile money agents, and tool suppliers, many of whom are also women. These economic linkages closely resemble the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): free movement of goods, services, and people, driven from the ground up. 'We've created a town around the mine,' says Chimwala, a Malawian cross-border trader. 'And it's women who keep it moving.' From Policy to Practice: Women Leading Integration While many national governments are still implementing continental frameworks like AfCFTA and the AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol, these women are already practicing them. The Free Movement Protocol encourages safe, legal mobility for workers and entrepreneurs. The AU Labour Migration Strategy promotes dignity, skills-building, and inclusion for migrants. The migrant women working Zimbabwe's mining fields embody all of this. They're not waiting for formal platforms, and they're building trade corridors with every exchange, creating jobs, transferring skills, and generating revenue. Infographic detailing migration routes to Zimbabwe Cooperation Over Competition: Women's Self-Regulated Systems With little external support, migrant women have developed cooperative models that manage risk, share resources, and enhance safety. These aren't aid-dependent groups, and they are investor-minded, self-regulating teams that fund tools, childcare, transport, and even community defense. A group of women who migrated from South Africa and settled in Bikita, Masvingo, have formed a viable mining enterprise and are now contributing to large platforms like the regional Alternative Mining Indaba. Some cooperatives have launched financial savings schemes; others run training sessions on mercury handling, pricing negotiations, and even basic bookkeeping. Women also engage in peer-to-peer mentoring, helping newcomers quickly get up to speed with mining techniques and navigate local authorities. Beyond Gold: Investing in Future Generations The benefits aren't limited to the women themselves. Many are channeling their earnings into education and assets for their children. In camps where women work, schools and clinics have begun to emerge, some supported by mining income. 'I used to sell tomatoes at a border post,' says Rose Phiri, a former trader turned miner. 'Now my daughter is in college. That's the power of a little gold and a lot of purpose.' Several cooperatives now support after-school study groups and youth savings accounts, planting the seeds of generational economic mobility. Women miners are also opening the door for younger generations to participate in safer, smarter ways. Young women and girls, who often watch their mothers lead cooperatives, are learning not only the value of hard work but also how to run businesses, manage money, and make strategic decisions. Some youth-focused projects in Penhalonga and Gwanda now include mentorship programs for daughters of miners, connecting them to STEM careers, journalism, and financial literacy. These investments are shaping an empowered, entrepreneurial generation. Strengthening Systems: Who's Supporting? Positive shifts are happening at multiple levels. The Zimbabwe Women's Microfinance Bank now extends loans to women in extractives, including migrants. The Zimbabwe School of Mines introduced outreach training for informal and cross-border workers. NGOs and development partners are launching safe mining toolkits and gender-smart resource hubs. Pilot projects by IOM and UN Women are exploring regional mining ID cards and legal aid clinics. These initiatives align well with the AU's migration and trade policies. What's needed now is further integration and funding to scale up. Moving gold Policy Catch-Up: Learning from the Ground While migrant women miners still face hurdles like documentation gaps, legal ambiguity, and safety concerns, they are not defined by these. They are already offering answers. Each challenge is met with innovation. These women are not waiting for reform — they are leading it. To fully harness this movement, policymakers must shift focus and recognize informal actors as legitimate economic participants. Shamva South legislator, Honourable Joseph Mapiki, who is also a committee member of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines, says it is imperative for policymakers to enact laws that promote women in mining and allow for easier access to the formalization of their work. Next Steps: Formalization and Mobility To strengthen the position of migrant women in Zimbabwe's mining sector and align national efforts with African Union frameworks, several forward-looking policy measures could be enacted, including domestication of the AU Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, ensuring that migrant workers, especially women in informal sectors can legally live and work across borders with secure documentation. This would reduce vulnerability and support regional integration. The introduction of simplified cross-border work permits for informal miners and traders, tied to cooperatives or mining syndicates, would provide legal recognition and enable safer, more stable mobility for thousands of women who are contributing to the economy. Recognition and formalisation of women-led cooperatives would help secure land use rights, expand access to finance, and elevate their contributions in artisanal and small-scale mining. Coupled with a gender-inclusive mining formalization strategy, these approaches would prioritize legal literacy, safety training, and youth mentorship, creating sustainable livelihoods across generations. Why Free Movement Matters The AU Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, if fully adopted and implemented across Africa, would allow women miners and traders to move legally and safely across borders without fear of detention, deportation, or discrimination. It would enable the creation of regional IDs, access to services, and formal recognition of economic contributions. Today, many migrant women miners operate without formal documentation, often in legal grey areas where they face harassment, extortion, or barriers to accessing basic services. Lack of mobility rights makes it difficult to scale businesses, attend regional training sessions, or formalize their activities. This undermines not only their productivity but also the broader goals of continental integration. Implementing the AU Free Movement Protocol would unlock access to formal trade corridors, cross-border banking, cooperative registration, and healthcare. It would also ease movement for cross-border traders who supply mining communities, allowing for greater economic diversity and resilience. Some women-led organizations are already advocating for these policy changes. Regional forums and networks are pushing for simplified visa processes, recognition of informal worker contributions, and protection mechanisms for mobile workers, especially women. Free movement supports human dignity. For women building economies across borders, it is the foundation that makes everything else possible. An Infographic on Free Movement While much of the spotlight has focused on how women have filled the gap left by migrating men, another story runs deeper, the story of migrant women themselves. Hailing from neighboring countries or displaced from rural regions within Zimbabwe, they are stepping into the mining sector with grit, skill, and vision. In the heart of Zimbabwe's gold belt, the rhythmic clang of pickaxes and the hum of sieves filtering through riverbeds signal more than just mining activity; it's the sound of economic transformation, driven by the unyielding hands of women. For years, mining was seen as a man's world, reserved for those who could brave the dangers of underground tunnels and unforgiving landscapes. But today, an increasing number of women are rewriting that narrative, claiming space, staking their claim in gold, and redefining what economic empowerment looks like from the ground up. Faith, once a hopeful newcomer with nothing but her child and a dream, now co-leads a cooperative of women miners in Mazowe. She trains others, supports her family, and is shaping the mining sector from the inside out. She mentors younger women who remind her of herself just a few years ago, scared but determined. She speaks at local cooperative meetings, helps negotiate tool-sharing agreements, and even began an informal childcare rotation that allows other mothers to work safely. 'People used to look at me with pity,' she says, laughing. 'Now they come to me for advice.' Faith's journey is no longer just a personal triumph. It's a blueprint, a living example of how migration, when supported and recognized, can unlock human potential. Her story weaves together many threads: resilience, risk-taking, economic innovation, and generational change. Their hands may be dusty, but their vision is clear: a thriving, integrated, people-powered economy where women are not just included, but leading. They are not merely moving to survive. They are moving to shape. In the gold-rich hills of Mazowe, the riverbanks of Penhalonga, and the fields of Bikita, these women are doing more than mining. They are building the Africa the AU imagined – one border, one gram, one cooperative at a time. These women are not waiting for systems to change. They are the system change. In their movement lies momentum; In their labor lies leadership, and in their gold lies a different kind of wealth — one measured not just in minerals, but in dignity, agency, and legacy. This is not just a story about mining. It's a story about power, moving through hands that have learned how to hold a shovel and a vision at the same time. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Miata Metals Intersects Wide Intervals of Veining at the Puma Target on the Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Miata Metals Corp. (CSE: MMET) (FSE: 8NQ) (OTCQB:MMETF) ('Miata' or the 'Company') is pleased to report that initial drilling at the high-priority Puma Target on its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname has intersected wide zones of intense veining, consistent with the Company's predictive vein model. These early visual results from drill holes 25DDH-SEL-018 and 25DDH-SEL-019 are an encouraging milestone in Miata's ongoing drill program. The Company also provides an update on its regional, generative exploration program, which continues to advance alongside drilling, with new sampling and mapping programs identifying additional areas of high prospectivity. Highlights First two holes in the Puma Target are completed and are being logged and cut on site prior to assay (Figure 1 and 2) Both holes have intersected significant veining and alteration, which have been identified as vectors to mineralization (Figure 3) Two potentially mineralized vein directions are present at the Puma Target and the drilling is angled to intersect both vein sets The Company's drilling continues and the fourth hole at Puma has been collared A grab sample taken from an artisanal miners' ore1 pile at the new Aplito prospect has yielded 675 g/t Au2 (Figure 5) The Company is preparing to launch a stream sediment and soil sampling program aiming to extend the existing Puma trend 'These first holes at Puma have delivered exactly what we were hoping to see, wide zones of veining and alteration that serve as strong indicators that we've tapped into a significant system. The consistency between the core and our predictive model is a strong sign that we're drilling in the right place.' stated Dr. Jacob Verbaas, CEO of Miata Metals. 'Puma is an exciting and key area within the concession. The early visual results from the first two holes at Puma are very encouraging and demonstrate that our predictive model continues to hold up. We are steadily unlocking the potential of this historically active yet systematically underexplored gold district.' Drill holes 25DDH-SEL-018 and 25DDH-SEL-019 both intersected wide zones of dense quartz veining with associated alteration textures that Miata's technical team has previously correlated with gold mineralization in earlier drill holes. These visual indicators support the geological model developed through surface mapping and previous drilling. Hole 25DDH-SEL-018 encountered a weathered oxide zone to 75 meters, followed by a 60-meter interval (102–162m) of increased quartz, quartz-pyrite, and quartz-carbonate veining with strong alteration. Hole 25DDH-SEL-019 intersected four distinct vein zones between 80 and 195 meters, and displays characteristic textures and structures identified as mineralization vectors in earlier 1. 25DDH-SEL-019 At approximately 85 – 92m. Alteration commonly consists of biotite, chlorite, and titanite and pyrite. Two potentially mineralized vein directions are present at the Puma Target and the drilling is angled to intersect both vein 2. Drill core images showing veining and alteration in 25DDH-SEL-018 between approximately 145 and 151m. Both holes targeted zones interpreted from surface structural measurements and vein density models, reinforcing confidence in the Company's targeting 3. From left to right: 25DDH-SEL-018 at 71m, relic boxwork pyrite in quartz vein in oxidized zone. 25DDH-SEL-018 at 82.6m, intense k-feldspar and biotite alteration. 25DDH-SEL-019 at 172m Quartz vein with pyrite in selvage. 25SEL-DDH-019 at 172m intense veining and alteration. 25SEL-DDH-019 at 117.2m, intense veining, both foliation parallel and cross-cutting. Figure 4. Location of Puma holes 25DDH-SEL-018 and 019. Puma is the southern-most target at Sela Creek, and currently encompasses a total of approximately 2.7 km of strike length, and a width of 400 m. Puma is one of several targets identified at the 215 km2 property where high-grade gold is mined from shallow pits by small-scale miners, leaving the bedrock unexplored. Recent mining1 by artisanal operators at Puma have further supported the Company's targeting efforts and conviction. Ongoing Generative Exploration In parallel with its 10,000-meter drilling campaign, Miata's technical team continues to evaluate historic and active mining areas across the 215 km² Sela Creek concession. This work includes pit mapping, sampling, and the assessment of artisanal ore1 piles to better understand vein morphology and mineralogy across the project. To date in 2025, the Company has collected 248 surface samples, including a standout artisanal ore sample from the Aplito area assaying 675 g/t Au2 shown in figure 5, underscoring the potential for further high-grade mineralization outside of the current targets. The Aplito target area is several km east of camp and will be assessed for follow up exploration. Figure 5 also shows visible gold in a quartz vein from an ore1 pile sample of the Puma Target. To build on these efforts, Miata intends to commence a comprehensive stream sediment sampling program focused on the underexplored areas trending toward the Guyana Shield Shear Zone. This initiative will generate over 1,000 samples and aims to vector toward new targets for follow-up exploration. Figure 5. Left. Artisanal miners' ore1 sample with visible gold on the Puma Target. Middle, ore pile sample from the Aplito prospect grading 675 g/t Au2, showing weathered sulphides and visible gold. Right, same sample as middle photo but viewed through a hand lens. QAQC Grab samples were sent to Filab in Paramaribo, an ISO certified laboratory for 50g aliquot fire assay. Both the Company and Filab insert standards, duplicates and blanks at select intervals, all of which yielded acceptable values. Drill core of hole 25DDH-SEL-018 and 19 will be logged and cut on site prior to analysis at Filab. QP Statement The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Jacob Verbaas, a director of the Company and Qualified Person as defined under the definitions of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. 1 Ore refers to ore from artisanal miners activities. Miata Metals has not defined resources or reserves and does not generate revenue from artisanal mining activities. Sela Creek is an exploration stage project. 2 Grab samples are inherently selective and may not be representative of bulk grade. About Miata Metals Corp. Miata Metals Corp. (CSE:MMET) is a Canadian mineral exploration company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, as well as the OTCQB (OTCQB:MMETF) and Frankfurt (FSE:8NQ) Exchanges. The Company is focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The Company holds a 70% interest in the ~215km2 Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname with an option to acquire a full 100% interest in the project, and a 70% beneficial interest in the Nassau Gold Project in Suriname with an option to acquire 100%. Both assets are located in the greenstone belt of Suriname. On Behalf of the Board Dr. Jacob (Jaap) Verbaas, | CEO and Director info@ 778 488 9754This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Readers should not rely on information in this summary for any purpose other than for gaining general knowledge of the Company. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the scope and timing of the Company's drilling programs. The words 'expected', 'believes', 'will' and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations as reflected in any forward-looking statements, are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward- looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates, opinions or other factors should change. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
19-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Dynacor Group Reports Sales of US$26.1 Million in May 2025
MONTREAL, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dynacor Group Inc. (TSX-DNG) ('Dynacor' or the "Corporation"), today announced unaudited gold sales of $26.1 million in May and year-to-date sales of $128.9 million. All figures are in US dollars unless otherwise indicated. Monthly Highlights Gold sales reached $26.1 million (C$36.2 million 1) in May 2025, compared to $23.7 million (C$32.4 million) in May 2024. The increase in sales of $2.4 million or +10.1% versus May 2024 results from an increase in the sales price (+32.1%) partially offset by a decrease in volume (-21.9%) that in part results from planned plant maintenance. In May, the selling price of gold averaged $3,293 per ounce, compared to $2,340 per ounce, a 40.7% increase over May 2024. Year To Date Highlights Cumulative gold sales reached $128.9 million at the end of May 2025, compared to $116.4 million for the same period of 2024, a $12.5 million increase or +10.7%. In 2025, the selling price of gold averaged $3,015 per ounce, compared to $2,178 per ounce in 2024, a 38.4% increase. The Corporation is on target to meet its annual sales guidance of between $345 and $375 million. About Dynacor Dynacor Group is an industrial ore processing company dedicated to producing gold sourced from artisanal miners. Since its establishment in 1996, Dynacor has pioneered a responsible mineral supply chain with stringent traceability and audit standards for the fast-growing artisanal mining industry. By focusing on fully and part-formalized miners, the Canadian company offers a win-win approach for governments and miners globally. Dynacor operates the Veta Dorada plant and owns a gold exploration property in Peru. The Corporation plans to expand to West Africa and within Latin America. The premium paid by luxury jewellers for Dynacor's PX Impact® gold goes to Fidamar Foundation, an NGO that mainly invests in health and education projects for artisanal mining communities in Peru. Visit for more information. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in the preceding may constitute forward-looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Dynacor, or industry results, to be materially different from any future result, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current expectations regarding future events and operating performance as of the date of this news release. Contact: For more information, please contact: Ruth Hanna Director, Investor Relations T: 514-393-9000 #236 E: investors@ Website: Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Bettina Filippone T: (416) 644-2020 or (212) 812-7680 E: bfilippone@ Website: 1 Sales are converted using the average monthly exchange rate.
Bloomberg
11-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Land Rovers, Houses and Whisky: Gold Rally Brings Riches to Rural Zimbabwe
In Filabusi, in south-eastern Zimbabwe the streets are packed with BMW X5s and Land Rover Defenders, modern houses paid for in cash are springing up and whisky is only sold by the bottle in the small town's bars. The three-year surge in gold prices, driven to a record this year as US President Donald Trump's trade war bolstered its allure as a safe-haven, is enriching the country's more than 700,000 informal, or artisanal, miners. They are flocking to gold mining belts and throwing a lifeline to an economy that's been in economic turmoil since the turn of the century.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Multiple men face serious consequences after authorities uncover illegal destruction in protected area: 'It is a hazard to our nation and the region'
Eight people in eastern Ghana have been arrested for illegal mining, according to Joy Online. The mining had been polluting local water supplies, but miners had continued regardless. The local government's Eastern Regional Security Council confiscated 24 excavator batteries, 16 pumping machines, a chainsaw, three monitors, five control boards, three single-barrel guns, two pump-action rifles, cartridges, and cash in the police action. While the exact type of mining wasn't announced, Ghana is the sixth-largest gold producer in the world, per and another mining operation was recently shut down for illegally harvesting gold. Extractive industries have deep human and environmental tolls. Child labor has been employed in other African nations for mining, while tailing ponds have rendered rivers poisonous in others. Some mining operations have destroyed great ape habitat, adding more pressure on stressed populations. Regulations can help improve working and ecological conditions. South Africans, for example, are calling for improved regulations to lessen environmental impacts, per the Conversation. Artisanal mining is especially dangerous since it lacks safety protocols and government oversight, but properly regulating it may yield better working standards by documenting the chain of custody of minerals, the Atlantic Council revealed. Maintaining robust enforcement and strong laws against illegal mining can help preserve ecosystems and vital water supplies used by nearby communities. Gold mines in Australia and Idaho are just a few that have faced the legal limits of their operation. While arresting eight illegal miners is good news, there's more progress to be made. Ghana's president has already committed to banning mining in protected forests. Ghanaian authorities were resolute in continuing to crack down on ongoing illegal mining operations. "For the past days, we have been combing the Eastern region with our military and police to make sure the mandate by the president is obeyed," said regional minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, per Joy Online. "If you go around, our waters are so bad, the environment is destroyed, pits are uncovered, our forest is being destroyed. It is a hazard to our nation and the region, so for the few days our men have been on the ground and here you are with several excavators that have been seized from them." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
