Government is pressing ahead with plans to modernise Zimbabwe’s mining sector after gazetting the new Mines and Minerals Bill last June to replace legislation dating back to 1961.
The proposed law seeks to promote transparency, strengthen security of tenure and increase participation by indigenous players, while introducing simplified licensing procedures, digitisation and improved access to finance to boost productivity.
On Monday, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Minerals Development held consultations with the Emerging Miners Association of Zimbabwe as part of ongoing stakeholder engagements.
Committee chairperson Honourable Remigius Matangira said small-scale miners had flagged several concerns, particularly over disputes between miners and landowners.
“The association raised a number of concerns, noting the significant contribution of small-scale miners to the economy. Key issues include conflicts between miners and landowners, especially farmers. There are proposals to ensure landowners benefit where mining takes place on their land, which could help end persistent disputes. These concerns have been formally noted,” he said.
The committee is expected to next engage the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe to address outstanding bottlenecks in the draft legislation.
“We resolved to convene a broad consultative workshop bringing together large-scale, small-scale and artisanal miners, along with other stakeholders. This will include the Ministry and the Attorney General’s Office so that all parties can deliberate and refine the Bill before it is presented to the House,” Matangira added.
Parliament continues to gather submissions from industry players and Government departments as it works to align Zimbabwe’s mining framework with current economic realities and investment demands.
