Small scale miners from Matabeleland South Province converged in Gwanda during the provincial Alternative Mining Indaba to discuss challenges affecting the sector.

The miners drawn from the seven districts of the province expressed challenges they are encountering to stakeholders who included Zimbabwe Miners Federation, Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, local authorities and other statutory bodies.

In giving his key note address during the event, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs, Honourable Abednico Ncube described mining as a critical piece in the development of the economy hence called upon small scale miners to use appropriate channels in carrying out their business.

While stressing the need to adhere to safety practices, Honourable Ncube further challenged small scale miners’ bodies to work with their members in conflict resolution as fights over mining claims have been witnessed in some cases.

Event organisers and secretary general of the small scale miners Matabeleland South Province, Mr Philemon Mokuele said the motive behind the indaba was to ensure that the perennial concerns affecting the sector were addressed.

The mining sector is a huge contributor to the country’s fiscus and the need to regularise operations of small scale miners is pivotal if the country is to derive maximum benefits from her mineral deposits.