Zimbabwe set to overhaul mining laws with landmark Mines and Minerals Bill

STAFF WRITER

Zimbabwe is on the cusp of a mining sector overhaul following the gazetting of the Mines and Minerals Bill, a 396-page legislative blueprint set to replace the outdated 1961 Mines and Minerals Act.

This long-awaited reform seeks to modernise governance, entrench transparency, and unlock economic value through strategic mineral management and digital record-keeping.

The Bill reflects a fundamental shift in Zimbabwe’s approach to resource governance, one that aligns with international best practices and responds to the challenges of corruption, environmental degradation, and investor scepticism.

At the core of the reforms is the designation of “strategic minerals”—resources deemed critical to the economy, national security, and industrial development. Clause 6 of the Bill grants the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, in consultation with the Mining Affairs Board, the power to classify minerals such as lithium, uranium, rare earths, coal, copper and nickel as strategic. This designation demands a minimum US$1 million investment and requires investors to partner with the government through joint ventures or special purpose vehicles, as well as adhere to environmental and corporate social responsibility obligations.

“Under Clause 6 (Strategic minerals), it is proposed that the minister should have power, after consultation with the Mining Affairs Board, to declare any mineral to be a strategic mineral,” reads the Bill.

In a nod to inclusivity, small-scale miners may be exempted from these conditions if deemed prudent by the minister. Payne Farai Kupfuwa, CEO of the Young Miners Foundation, hailed the exemption as progressive and urged the inclusion of a youth representative on the Mining Affairs Board.

“While a representative for small-scale mining is a step in the right direction, a dedicated youth representative would provide a crucial perspective, ensuring that our concerns and ideas are integrated into the decision-making process,” Kupfuwa said.

The Bill also proposes the establishment of a centralised digital mining cadastre registry, a key reform aimed at eliminating double allocations, ownership disputes and corruption. It will serve as the authoritative record of all mining rights, from prospecting to leases. This registry must reflect beneficial ownership, thus tightening compliance and reducing fronting or hidden interests.

Ms Elizabeth Maphosa, a mining sector analyst, described the Bill as “game-changing.”

“It modernises Zimbabwe’s mining governance and brings it in line with global best practices. By introducing strategic minerals, enforcing transparency in the cadastre, and protecting both investor and community interests, Zimbabwe is sending a clear message: we are open for responsible and sustainable business.”

Under Clause 20, the Permanent Secretary becomes the cadastre registrar, while a technology-skilled deputy registrar will oversee operations. Importantly, provisional rights granted by Provincial Mining Directors (PMDs) will only be final once recorded in the cadastre—eliminating parallel records that have historically created chaos in the sector.

The Bill further enshrines “first come, first served” as the guiding principle in awarding mining titles. Clause 56 empowers the registrar to resolve record discrepancies transparently, while disputes can now be escalated to the Administrative Court or High Court, replacing opaque and corrupt mechanisms.

To address land-use challenges, Clause 57 allows miners to register dependent mine service sites—worker accommodation and equipment zones—capped at 20 hectares, extendable to 40ha upon application. This requires PMDs to transmit site information for final registry approval, thus curbing speculative land claims.

A standout feature is the Bill’s robust environmental protection regime. It criminalises illegal cutting of indigenous trees and introduces civil penalties, including fines of up to level 8, daily fines for non-compliance, and even revocation of mining rights for repeat offenders. Violators could face up to three years in prison.

The Bill also empowers PMDs to mediate surface use disputes, and ensures community consent is factored into mine site registration—an important move to decentralise oversight while protecting rural interests.

“By embedding environmental stewardship into the heart of the mining law, Zimbabwe is aligning itself with global ESG (environmental, social and governance) standards,” Maphosa noted. “This is critical for attracting ethical investment and protecting the country’s natural heritage.”

Economist Ms Alice Chikonzi framed the Bill not just as legislation, but as a development instrument.

“By aligning mining laws with international standards and strengthening the legal framework, Zimbabwe is not only safeguarding its mineral wealth, but also setting the stage for responsible investment, community empowerment and long-term economic growth,” she said.

“This is not just a legal document; it is a developmental instrument with the potential to reshape Zimbabwe’s mining economy.”

Ultimately, the Mines and Minerals Bill positions the sector for national economic transformation through transparency, digital innovation, investor confidence, and environmental accountability. If implemented effectively, it could usher in a new dawn for Zimbabwe’s most strategic sector—mining.