GHANA: GoldBod,Better Brands Partner Zimbabwe Firms to Reform Artisanal Mining

A new cross-border partnership between Ghana-based GoldBod and Better Brands, alongside stakeholders from Zimbabwe, is set to drive reforms in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.

The collaboration aims to introduce structured, responsible, and sustainable mining practices while improving the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale miners. Officials say the initiative will focus on formalizing operations, reducing environmental damage, and ensuring fair pricing systems for gold and other minerals.

At a joint meeting involving executives and technical experts, the partners outlined plans to deploy modern technologies, training programmes, and regulatory frameworks to curb illegal mining activities and promote transparency across the value chain. The initiative is also expected to enhance traceability, making it easier to integrate artisanal gold into global markets that demand ethical sourcing.

Representatives highlighted that Zimbabwe’s ASM sector, much like Ghana’s, plays a critical role in employment and rural economies but has long faced challenges including unsafe working conditions, smuggling, and environmental degradation.

Through this partnership, GoldBod and Better Brands intend to share Ghana’s experiences in gold sector reforms while learning from Zimbabwe’s policies to create a more harmonised and effective approach.

Industry observers say the move signals a growing trend of African-led solutions to challenges within the mining sector, with collaboration increasingly seen as key to unlocking sustainable growth.

The agreement is expected to roll out in phases, beginning with pilot programmes in selected mining communities before expanding nationwide.