Cabinet has noted and approved a comprehensive review of licences, permits, levies and fees charged by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the mining sector, a move expected to improve the ease of doing business and enhance sector competitiveness.
The review was presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube.
Speaking during yesterday’s post-Cabinet briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Soda Zhemu, said the review aligns with broader Government reforms.
“The review of licences, permits, levies and fees in the mining sector is in compliance with the Cabinet decision of 29 July 2025, which approved the implementation of a raft of business reforms in twelve sectors of the economy,” he said.
He added that the exercise is meant to stimulate growth and improve viability in the mining industry.
“The review process is aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, increasing competitiveness, enhancing the viability of enterprises and enabling the growth of the Zimbabwean economy,” said Minister Zhemu.
Cabinet approved several measures to streamline operations in the sector.
“Duplicative and overlapping licences and permits are now streamlined under a single regulatory authority,” he said.
“Over 80 percent of the mining sector fees that are considered reasonable have been maintained, while fee differentials based on an operator’s capacity to pay have been introduced, with licence fees for artisanal and small-scale miners being pegged at a fraction of those payable by large firms.”
Minister Zhemu said Government has also introduced targeted regulatory adjustments.
“New regulatory fees such as the Gold Jewellery Permit and application for registration of approved processing plants for lithium have been introduced, while registration fees to deal with precious stones have been reduced and will now be payable every five years,” he said.
He added that inspection and operational costs have also been reviewed downwards.
“The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development annual fees for inspection of blocks of claims have been reduced, the trading on mining location fee has been scrapped, and the diamond cutting and polishing licence fee has been reduced. Rural District Councils land development levies are now being standardised,” said Minister Zhemu.
Minister Zhemu said Cabinet also deliberated on broader policy and legislative frameworks affecting the sector.
“Cabinet also considered policy and legislative issues affecting the mining sector, including the ongoing review of the Mines and Minerals Act, the development of the Minerals Development Policy, and the operationalisation of the Mining Cadastre System to ensure that mining licences are granted, tracked and managed in a legally binding and accurate manner,” he said.
He noted that Government is also focusing on strengthening oversight and formalising small-scale mining operations.
“Other issues include capacitation of the relevant regulatory bodies to strengthen oversight of the mining sector and the formalisation of small-scale mining operations,” he said.
The latest measures underscore Government’s commitment to creating a more efficient, transparent and investor-friendly mining sector, with authorities expecting the streamlined fees and regulatory reforms to unlock growth, support small-scale miners and enhance overall productivity. As implementation progresses, the focus will remain on strengthening oversight, modernising systems and ensuring the sector contributes meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s economic development.
