Mining cadastre set to boost efficiency, investment

SAMANTHA MADE

Zimbabwe is accelerating the modernization of its mining sector with the introduction of a computerized mining cadastre system, a move aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing transparency, and attracting much-needed investment.

The development, announced by Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando at the Africa Down Under conference in Perth, Australia, marks a significant step in the country’s drive to digitize key economic sectors and simplify business processes.

“Government is advanced towards migrating from manual to automation with a computerised mining cadastre system. This is part of our drive to enhance the ease of doing business in the mining sector and to underpin the sector’s vision,” Chitando said.

The minister emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to creating a more investor-friendly environment while modernizing administrative processes that have long been criticized for inefficiency and lack of transparency.

The computerized Mining Cadastre Portal will serve as an electronic platform where all stakeholders in the mining sector—including prospecting and mining companies, small-scale miners, and regulators—can interact directly with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. The portal will facilitate licensing, permit applications, and management of mineral rights, reducing administrative bottlenecks associated with the sector’s largely paper-based processes.

By digitizing the cadastre system, Zimbabwe aims to tackle persistent challenges, including slow processing of mining and export permits, opaque regulatory procedures, and difficulties in tracking mineral exports. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere noted during a post-cabinet briefing that the mineral export permit system is already 90% complete.

“The Minister of Mines and Mining Development highlighted that the establishment of an Online Permit system is at 90% of completion,” Muswere said, signalling that the country is on the verge of a fully digital mining administration framework.

Mining is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing roughly 13% to the country’s GDP and employing tens of thousands directly and indirectly. The sector is dominated by gold, platinum, diamonds, and chrome, with small-scale and artisanal miners playing a significant role in rural livelihoods. Despite its importance, the industry has faced persistent challenges, including bureaucratic delays, limited access to investment capital, and under-regulation of informal mining activities.

The move to a computerized cadastre system is expected to mitigate these challenges by improving licensing speed, enhancing transparency, facilitating better record-keeping, and providing a reliable database of mineral rights and operations. For investors, this digital transformation represents a reduction in regulatory uncertainty and risk, making Zimbabwe a more attractive destination for both domestic and foreign capital.

The adoption of computerized cadastre systems is not unique to Zimbabwe. Countries such as Ghana, Australia, and Canada have long implemented digital mining registries to streamline administrative functions, reduce fraud, and boost investor confidence. In Ghana, for instance, the Minerals Commission’s online cadastre system has significantly improved transparency in the allocation of mining leases and permits, while Australia’s digital frameworks allow for real-time tracking of exploration and production activities.

For Zimbabwe, implementing a similar system signals alignment with international best practices, which could enhance the country’s credibility in global mineral markets. By leveraging technology, Zimbabwe aims not only to modernize operations but also to attract strategic investors who require predictable, transparent regulatory environments before committing capital.

For miners and investors, the system promises faster permit issuance, reduced bureaucratic delays, and easier compliance tracking, saving both time and costs. Investors gain clearer visibility on licensing processes, tenure security, and regulatory obligations, lowering operational risk. For government, improved record-keeping and real-time monitoring of mining activities will enhance revenue collection through more accurate royalty and tax reporting. The system also strengthens enforcement against illegal mining and unregulated exports. Local communities stand to benefit as well, as streamlined processes can facilitate community development agreements and ensure that local stakeholders gain more directly from mineral exploitation. Transparent tracking of permits and mineral flows reduces leakage and corruption, ultimately supporting socio-economic development in mining regions.

Moreover, the system supports the broader government agenda of easing business operations and fostering a modern, technology-driven economy. Chitando emphasized that this initiative is part of Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to digitize economic governance, improve public service delivery, and align regulatory frameworks with global standards.

The computerized cadastre system is designed to integrate with other digital government platforms, creating a cohesive ecosystem for mining administration. It leverages secure cloud-based databases, GIS mapping technologies, and automated workflows to ensure accuracy, traceability, and accountability. Users will be able to submit applications, track approvals, and access real-time data, reducing reliance on manual processes that have historically slowed mining operations.

According to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the system is being rolled out in phases, beginning with major mining companies and gradually extending to small-scale miners. This phased approach allows for capacity-building, user training, and gradual adaptation to new digital procedures, ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing operational disruption.

Zimbabwe’s move towards digitization is expected to have far-reaching economic implications. By enhancing transparency and operational efficiency, the mining sector becomes a more reliable contributor to government revenue. Faster permitting and licensing reduce the time between exploration, production, and revenue generation, potentially increasing foreign exchange inflows from mineral exports.

For investors, a digital cadastre system provides certainty that property rights and licenses are accurately documented, reducing the risk of disputes and fraud. It also aligns with international investment requirements, particularly for large-scale investors seeking assurance of predictable regulatory environments before committing significant capital.

The initiative is also expected to boost investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s broader economic environment. As the government continues to implement reforms aimed at ease of doing business, including in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, digitization of key sectors demonstrates a commitment to modernization and economic competitiveness.

One of the most significant benefits of a computerized cadastre system is improved transparency. Historically, the mining sector has been hampered by opaque processes, slow approvals, and limited oversight, creating opportunities for corruption and illegal mineral flows. The digital platform allows the government to track mineral rights, permit issuance, and production in real-time, ensuring accountability at every stage.

Traceability of mineral exports is particularly critical. Zimbabwe’s mineral resources, especially gold and diamonds, are highly valuable on global markets, and enhanced monitoring reduces the risk of smuggling and illicit financial flows. This aligns with international standards for responsible mining and supports Zimbabwe’s efforts to maintain credibility in global trade.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development affirmed that the computerized platform reflects its ongoing commitment to modernizing the sector. Chitando reiterated that the online permit system will accelerate issuance while ensuring greater accountability and traceability of mineral exports. Minister Muswere echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the digital transformation is part of a broader government strategy to promote efficiency, transparency, and investor confidence.

“This is not just a technical upgrade; it is a strategic tool to enhance governance and competitiveness in our mining sector,” Muswere said. “The 90% completion of the mineral export permit system demonstrates the government’s seriousness in implementing reforms that benefit all stakeholders.”

As Zimbabwe continues its journey towards digitization, the mining sector is set to become more efficient, transparent, and attractive to investment. The introduction of the computerized cadastre system signals the government’s commitment to modernizing economic governance and aligning with global best practices.

For investors, miners, and government agencies alike, the system promises faster approvals, improved record-keeping, and stronger regulatory oversight. For the country, it represents a step toward unlocking the full potential of its mineral wealth, generating revenue, creating jobs, and driving broader economic growth.

In a sector historically plagued by delays and opacity, Zimbabwe’s move to digital governance is timely. By embracing technology, the country is not only improving the ease of doing business in mining but also positioning itself as a competitive, transparent, and modern investment destination in Africa’s resource-rich landscape.

As the platform goes live and the online permit system reaches full completion, Zimbabwe’s mining sector is expected to enter a new era of operational efficiency, governance, and investment readiness—a transformation that could redefine the industry for years to come.