The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has unveiled a 2026 strategic roadmap aimed at delivering a record 45 tonnes of gold to the state refinery.
Following a dominant 2025 performance—where small-scale miners contributed 75% (34.9 tonnes) of the nation’s total output—the sector is now pivoting toward large-scale mechanization and formalization.
ZMF will install shared processing and service centers in every province. These hubs provide artisanal miners with modern equipment and efficient ore processing, bypassing middlemen to sell directly to the formal market.
Following a mission to Riyadh, a Saudi Arabian delegation is currently in Zimbabwe to explore funding for gold and chrome production.
The ZMF–FGR Gold Card- a new digital registration system will be rolled out to improve traceability and ensure gold is sourced according to global responsible standards.
With small-scale targets at 45 tonnes, ZMF President Henrietta Rushwaya predicts total national production (including large-scale mines) could reach 55 tonnes this year.
"In 2025, we contributed between 70 and 75 percent of Zimbabwe’s gold output,” Rushwaya said. “In 2026, we are targeting nothing less than 45 tonnes from small-scale miners alone. Combined with large-scale production, we believe national output can reach 55 tonnes.”
By combining shared infrastructure with digital tracking and international capital, the ZMF aims to cement artisanal mining as Zimbabwe’s primary foreign currency earner.
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