The government of Zimbabwe plans to establish 32 gold processing centers in small-scale mining areas around the country to increase their contribution to the national output, a senior government official has said. The centers would offer various services such as gold milling, collection points as well as assisting with Environmental Impact Assessments. Mines and Mining Development deputy Minister Fred Moyo said the centers would be equipped with machinery acquired from China under a Chinese Export and Import Bank credit facility.
“But, freight is on our account, so we are deliberating with the Reserve Bank to see whether they and the Banks Association can come together to raise an amount of $1.5 million which we will use to move the equipment worth $5 million from China to Zimbabwe.”Deputy Minister Fred Moyo said.
He also said Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Midlands and Matabelel South provinces would get the bulk of the gold centers and equipment.