The first national census of artisanal miners starts this Monday (09) in Mozambique.
The director-general of the National Institute of Artisanal Miners, Adriano Sénvano, explains that the aim of the census is to obtain qualitative and quantitative data about the people involved in artisanal mining, its socio-economic impact on communities and the country’s economy, for a better formulation of policies and better strategies for the development of artisanal mining in the country.
Artisanal mining, especially of gems and gold, uses non-formal channels for commercialisation, providing tax evasion, illegal immigration and forms of exploitation that cause environmental damage.
The census, which will comprise three phases, will run until the end of November, and the first phase will cover the southern provinces of Maputo, Gaza and Inhambane, as well as the northern province of Nampula.
According to Radio Mozambique, the ceremony to launch the census will be presided over by the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Ernesto Max Tonela, in Chalaua, in Moma district, Nampula province
