Small-scale mining activities especially along the Great Dyke has caused more harm than good to the environment and has exacerbated poverty as some families have met with fatalities when the shallow mine shafts collapse lives are lost and families are left more vulnerable.
This is evident in areas like Insiza and Whandara in Shurugwi where the majority of the poor are resorting to unsustainable gold mining activities to sustain themselves after the downsizing and closure of mining companies in those areas.
Be that as it may studies have shown that small scale artisanal miners in gold mining areas have also been exposed to mercury poisoning. It is estimated that 1.5 million small scale miners, are at risk with calculations done proving that more than 50 tons of this harmful chemical is being used annually in gold processing.
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