Actually funny you should mention Zimbabwe and gold for I believe from this article that the government see hope from the boom in PMs there and have also just this week announced that they will allow their people to use other currencies to conduct business:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7859033.stm Zimbabwe abandons its currency
http://allafrica.com/stories/200901300133.html Zimbabwe: Mining Industry Anticipates Boom
Excerpt:
The local mining industry was one of the hardest hit sectors last year with gold deliveries falling by 49 percent, but analysts have urged players in the mining sector to mobilise resources and gear up for the anticipated boom.
Chamber of Mines chief executive Mr Joseph Malaba said, in relative terms, gold has been stable given the challenges in the economy.
