The main beneficiaries of the contraband trade are well connected criminal networks in Zimbabwe and their business partners in India, South Africa, and, most importantly, the United Arab Emirates, which launders the bulk of Africa’s smuggled gold.
Most small-scale miners in Zimbabwe, who work in dangerous conditions for only a few US dollars a day, are brutally exploited by their political and business sponsors.
Most of the ore that they dig out is seized by intermediaries who pay the miners a pittance. State security agents, and sometimes even military personnel, also patrol the mining sites to make money instead of enforcing laws on safety and safe custody of the gold ore.
Urgent law reforms
The minister however says Zimbabwe’s mining policy framework is being revised to boost inclusivity, transparency and accountability. He also expresses optimism that Zimbabwe is on course with
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