Small-Scale Miners Dominate Fidelity Gold Deliveries in January

Artisanal and small-scale miners delivered 2.24 tons of gold in January 2026, significantly outpacing large-scale producers who delivered 808.4 kg, according to data from Fidelity Gold Refineries. Both sectors recorded declines compared to January 2025, when ASM delivered 3.17 tons and large-scale miners delivered 903.2 kg. Zimbabwe achieved record-high gold production of 46.7 tons in 2025, a 28 percent increase from 36.48 tons in 2024. Gold mining remains a cornerstone of the economy, with over 4,000 recorded deposits and the ASM sector accounting for a significant portion of total production. The government is targeting higher production of 40-80 tons annually.

Artisanal and small-scale miners have sustained the dominance in gold deliveries, faring much higher than the country’s large-scale players.

According to data released by Fidelity Gold Refineries, ASM players delivered 2.24 tons compared to 808.4 kg injected by large-scale producers in the month of January 2026.

Compared to the same period last year, both producers have recorded declines from the 3.17 tons and 903.2 kg recorded by ASM and large-scale gold players respectively last year.

Large-scale miners produced 808.4 kg in January 2026, down from 903.2 kg in the prior-year period.

Zimbabwe’s gold output in January 2025 increased significantly from the same period in 2024, driven primarily by a surge in deliveries from artisanal and small-scale miners.

Total gold deliveries in January 2025 were roughly 32 percent higher than the 2,375 kg recorded in January 2024.

Zimbabwe set a record-high gold production of 46.7 tons in 2025, which was a 28 percent increase over the 36.48 tons produced in 2024.

Gold mining is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, with over 4,000 recorded deposits mainly in greenstone belts. It is the country’s leading export, with production dominated by both large-scale mines and a massive artisanal and small-scale mining sector.

The ASM sector accounts for a significant portion of total production, with many miners operating in Midlands, Mashonaland West, Matabeleland South, and Mashonaland Central. The government is encouraging investment to hit higher production targets of 40-80 tons, with recent focus on reopening dormant mines and increasing efficiency.

 Source -NewZimbabwe