Government Reserves Small-Scale Gold Mining for Zimbabweans
The Government has announced major reforms in the gold mining sector, reserving small-scale gold mining exclusively for Zimbabwean citizens and companies fully owned by locals.
The new policy, announced by Polite Kambamura, takes immediate effect and is aimed at increasing local participation, improving accountability and reducing mineral leakages in the mining industry.
Also Read: Minister Polite Kambamura Cracks Down on Proxy Mining Deals, Warns of Imminent Policy Shift
Foreign Operators Given Deadline
According to ZBC News, under the new framework, foreign investors currently involved in small-scale gold mining will be required to transition to large-scale operations by January 1, 2027.
To qualify under the large-scale category, operators must either produce more than 20 kilogrammes of gold per month or increase investment capital to more than US$15 million.
Dr Kambamura said Zimbabwe remains open to responsible foreign investment in medium and large-scale mining projects, as well as value addition, beneficiation and infrastructure development.
“Government remains committed to maintaining an open, secure, and investment-friendly environment for responsible foreign investment in Zimbabwe’s mining sector,” he said.
New Compliance Measures Introduced
The reforms also introduce stricter compliance requirements across the gold mining industry.
Mining companies will be required to keep proper production and financial records while complying with tax, labour, environmental and safety regulations.
Government said all gold produced in both small and large-scale operations must continue to be sold through authorised channels in line with Zimbabwean law.
Zimbabweans to Dominate Mining Jobs
As part of the new policy direction, Government directed that 98 percent of senior and middle management positions in gold mining operations must be held by Zimbabwean nationals.
Dr Kambamura said authorities expect immediate compliance with the directive.
The policy also states that foreign-owned mining rights will be maintained based on production performance and verified gold deliveries through approved buying channels.
Government Targets Idle Mining Assets
Government also warned foreign investors against holding mining claims for speculative purposes without developing them.
Authorities said idle mining assets owned by foreign entities will now come under closer scrutiny.
The ministry further instructed heap leaching gold mines to register with the Minister’s office and provide monthly production declarations and details of elution plants.
Mining firms will also be required to submit approved Environmental, Social and Governance frameworks together with Environmental Impact Assessments before beginning operations.
According to Government, the reforms are intended to strengthen indigenous participation in mining, formalise local enterprises, improve transparency and ensure the country’s mineral wealth contributes more directly to economic growth under the National Development Strategy 2.
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