AGGREGATE Mineral Resources (AMR) is exploring joint venture opportunities and strategic mining partnerships targeting small-scale miners with the aim of upscaling their mining operations.
The strategic move comes as artisanal miners now supply about 60% of all gold deliveries in the country.
AMR, a local firm, was established in September 2022 against the backdrop of championing sustainable mineral resources extraction in Africa.
The firm achieves the feat through joint ventures, consultancy, contract mining, equipment hire, shaft sinking, resource definition, provision of mining consumables, and appropriate solutions.
“We have identified a need, especially in small-scale miners, particularly gold miners, who are contributing over 60% of gold output,” AMR managing director Tendai Choto reveaaled.
“They generally lack funding, capital, and access to new technology; these are the missing links to the small-scale miners, and we are positioning ourselves to champion this revolution of empowering and scaling up small-scale miners,” he said.
“So that at least they have mechanised operation and safe and responsible mining in terms of mineral extraction. Mining contributes about 12% to our gross domestic product; 70% of our foreign exchange earnings come from the mining sector. There is no deliberate attention that is being given to these miners.”
Choto emphasised the need for assistance and the empowerment of small-scale miners.
“We are coming up with programmes to upscale mining, particularly the small-scale ones, so that they can contribute more than the 60% they are currently contributing. We know we can be a drop in the ocean, but we are willing to start this fire to say private investments can come in,” he said.
Choto said AMR wanted its investment to lead to significant growth for the economy.
“AMR nurtures a spirit of excellence in all its operations and processes and anchors to the commitment of ‘unearthing hidden treasures’, while also meeting our environmental, social, and governance responsibilities,” he said.
Choto noted that they partnered with learning institutions to attract quality personnel, such as geoscientists and engineers.
“We also provide work-related learning opportunities to students, create business opportunities, and transform the communities we operate in. We create growth and strengthen communities with a foundation of resilient and inclusive operations,” he said.
AMR’s business model is anchored on creating blue ocean strategies that will give birth to a listed African resources conglomerate. – (Newsday)
