By Staff Reporter

Chief Malisa of Silobela has called on the government and relevant stakeholders to establish a mining training centre in the area, saying unregulated artisanal mining is causing massive environmental degradation.

Speaking during the Kwekwe District National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) Expo breakfast meeting held on Friday, Chief Malisa said formalising and educating small-scale miners could help preserve the environment and promote responsible resource exploitation.

“Our area needs a school of mining that can come and train artisanal miners on proper mining techniques,” said the traditional leader.

“Our land is facing a lot of harm through environmental degradation as these artisanal miners are operating with no respect for the environment. We call on government and other stakeholders to come and set up a centre where these people can be trained on proper mining procedures,” he said.

Silobela, a rural constituency in the Midlands Province, has long grappled with rampant illegal gold mining activities. The area, rich in mineral resources, has attracted thousands of artisanal miners, many of whom work without licenses or regard for environmental laws. The use of hazardous chemicals like mercury, land degradation, deforestation, and unsafe mining practices have become widespread challenges.

Midlands Province, particularly areas like Kwekwe, Shurugwi, and Silobela, have been dubbed the epicentre of Zimbabwe’s illegal gold rush. Violent clashes between rival mining gangs, fatalities from unsafe pits, and the destruction of farmland have become common occurrences.

The government has made efforts to formalise small-scale mining through the Ministry of Mines, but enforcement remains weak in many rural areas.

Chief Malisa said the situation in Silobela requires urgent attention and practical solutions, including education and support for the many young people turning to mining for survival.

“These youths need to be guided and empowered with knowledge so they can mine sustainably and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

The NDS1 Expo, which brought together various government departments, traditional leaders, civil society, and the business community, aimed to promote development initiatives.