The just-ended ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference has called for tougher enforcement of the “use it or lose it” mining claims policy to curb speculative holding and promote productive exploitation of mineral resources.
“The ‘use it or lose it’ policy has the potential to improve mineral production by ensuring that mining claims are held by people who are committed to developing them rather than keeping them for speculative purposes,” said a Midlands Province representative on the ZANU PF Youth League National Executive Council.
The resolutions call for the policy to be implemented in accordance with the law, with clear criteria and fair procedures to ensure that mining claims are put to productive use.
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation observed that, if properly implemented, the policy could create opportunities for serious investors to develop underutilised claims, increase mineral output and generate employment.
The conference also called for greater support for small-scale miners through technical training, access to appropriate equipment, affordable financing, geological information and formal markets to improve productivity, safety and sustainability.
It further recommended integrating youth-focused mining hubs into broader mining development programmes to expand young people’s access to technical expertise, finance, equipment and formal mining opportunities.
The resolutions seek to improve utilisation of the country’s mineral resources, strengthen small-scale mining and widen youth participation in the sector, contributing to the growth of Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
