Gold sector needs transparency
EDITOR — Mining and agriculture are the two major pillars of Zimbabwe’s economic growth and revival.
As such, every effort should be directed towards ensuring maximum transparency, productivity as well as the exporting of both mining and agricultural produce if Zimbabwe is to fully benefit from its natural resources like land and minerals.
Side-marketing as well as smuggling of both agricultural and mining products are costing the nation millions of dollars.
When there is smuggling or side-marketing of mining and agriculture produce, it is difficult to account for all the produce.
However, the battle against smuggling of minerals such as gold needs collective commitment and effort by all, not just Government leading the fight against side-marketing to both local and foreign markets. This means the relevant authorities and players in the sector need to put in place strict measures to deal with offenders to ensure such crimes are minimal if not totally eliminated.
Gold smuggling can be identified as the biggest priority area for Government. But with the help of the entire nation, the private sector included, the fight against this scourge can be won, which will stop externalisation of millions of dollars.
Mining is a key economic sector just like agriculture, which is considered the backbone of the country.
Every effort should be directed towards ensuring transparency, from production to the marketing of mining and agricultural produce. Felix Zonke, Harare.