Zimbabwe’s gold mining sector has posted a 10 percent increase in output in the first quarter of the year, with small-scale and artisanal miners continuing to play a leading role in national production.
Latest statistics from Fidelity Gold Refinery show that 9.4 tonnes of gold were delivered between January and March, up from 8.3 tonnes recorded during the same period last year.
The rise reflects sustained growth in the sector, driven by Government support and favourable international gold prices. It also aligns with national efforts to promote value addition and boost returns from mineral resources.
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, said Government support was producing tangible results.
“Government is fully supporting the growth of the gold mining industry in the country,” he said.
He added that notable strides have been made in positioning the country’s gold mining industry as a profitable unit that generates the much-needed economic returns. It is pleasing that gold deliveries continue to increase, it is a vote of confidence on the part of the relevant authorities.”
Dr Kambamura also said the upward trend was likely to continue.
“Gold deliveries are expected to remain on an upward trajectory, and this augurs well for an economy seeking strategies to maintain growth. The journey to growth is in motion, and this should create a positive platform for the gold mining value chains in the country,” he said.
Economists say increased deliveries are strengthening reserves backing the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, which stood at over US$1.3 billion by the end of March, while also supporting steady foreign currency inflows.
University of Zimbabwe Business School Director Albert Makochekanwa said gold remained central to currency stability.
“What is leading to this currency maintaining its stability trajectory is the strength of the reserves that are backing it. Gold is the primary metal bolstering the ZiG.
“If gold deliveries increase, more of the metal is set aside by the central bank to support the currency, and that is what is giving us the stability we are enjoying,” said Makochekanwa.
Zimbabwe’s gold sector is coming from a strong performance in 2025, when deliveries rose by more than 28 percent to an all-time high of over 46 tonnes.
