Regulatory Policies in the Small Scale Mining Sector in Zimbabwe

The focus of this study was on the successes and challenges of the regulatory policies in the small scale mining sector. This was achieved through analysing the regulatory policies and strategies which are being employed in the small scale mining sector and the extent to which these policies have contributed towards attaining sustainable development. The research made use of one of the major approaches in the social sciences which is the qualitative method. The use of a qualitative technique reflects an attempt to ensure an in-depth understanding of the phenomena in question, that is, to understand the successes and challenges of the regulations so as to promote sustainable development. The study found that there has been an improvement and growth of the small scale mining sector after independence in 1980. The amendments of the policies in independent Zimbabwe have paved a way for many small scale miners to register. A considerable number of the unemployed people have found a way to sustain their livelihoods. However there are still a number of challenges which need to be addressed in the policies so as to attain sustainable development.