“Gold bottom is close”

The decision will hit artisanal miners of metals such as gold and tin hard, as they are the region's dominant producers.

The gold miners’ stocks have blasted higher to a powerful upside breakout this month.

Zimbabwe’s largest gold producer is negotiating with potential partners to boost production at its Shamva mine.

The miner said higher metal prices boosted its earnings, while lower treatment charges and metal premiums weighed on the result.