The Journal of Accounting and Management, Vol 8, No 1 (2018)

Abstract

The Zimbabwean small scale gold mining sector is struggling with excessive restrictive regulations that are impacting negatively on business performance with a number of firms in the sector closing shops and those that are still operational struggling to pay royalties, taxes, salaries, and operating licences. Empirical research has attributed the difficulties being faced by the sector over regulation. This study sort to define the business regulations that govern the small scale mining sector and to assess their impact on business performance. A survey was conducted among small scale gold miners in Mashonaland Central province in Zimbabwe. A total of 289 structured questionnaires were emailed and hand delivered to small scale gold mine workers, supervisors, managers and owners in the various mining towns. Review of literature showed that there are five main categories of legislation governing mining industry in Zimbabwe. Of the five, only product market regulations had a significant impact on business performance of small scale gold miners. Product market regulations were responsible for the 24.3 % variation in business performance. Accordingly, small scale mine managers and mine owners are encouraged to expend many resources towards meeting and complying with the requirements of the product market regulations in order to survive and ensure a going concern.