Women in the mining sector are encountering significant barriers in accessing capital and obtaining licenses, hindering their active participation in the industry, according to industry experts.
These challenges were highlighted during a training academy organized for artisanal and small-scale miners by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), with support from Christian Aid Zimbabwe and AfricaMaVal. The academy, held in Bulawayo, focused on the theme “Making Just Transition Inclusive for All: Empowering ASM to actively participate in the lithium value chain.”
The primary objectives of the academy were to raise awareness about the legal frameworks governing lithium mining and the ASM sector.
Blessing Hungwe, the patron of the Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (ZAWIMA), shed light on the array of challenges confronting women miners. One major hurdle identified was the stringent requirements imposed by financial institutions, which often demand collateral such as properties and title deeds. However, many women lack such assets, as these are typically held by men.
Hungwe emphasized the necessity for authorities to decentralize certain services to facilitate accessibility for women miners. She noted the difficulties women face in accessing geological information, as they may lack the means to travel to government offices in Harare, where such information is typically housed.
Robin Gilli, project manager at the World Resources Forum Association (WRFA), highlighted another critical issue: the lack of geological expertise among the majority of small-scale miners. This knowledge gap hinders miners’ ability to understand geological formations, mineral compositions, and deposit characteristics, essential for effective mining operations.
Shahrzad Manoochehri, programs director at WRFA, underscored the importance of access to capital and investment for women miners. However, she noted that financial institutions and investors often hesitate to invest in mining operations that do not adhere to globally accepted environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
Effort Dube, a legal officer at ZELA, expressed optimism that the training academy would benefit women in mining by addressing critical knowledge gaps. He highlighted the lack of awareness among some women miners regarding the minerals they extract, emphasizing the need for education and training initiatives to enhance their understanding of the sector.
The insights shared during the academy shed light on the multifaceted challenges faced by women in the mining industry and underscored the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these barriers. Initiatives aimed at providing women miners with access to capital, geological expertise, and relevant information can play a crucial role in fostering their empowerment and enabling their meaningful participation in the sector.
Source: Newsday
