Government Tables Landmark Mining Reform Bill

Zimbabwe’s mining laws are set for a major overhaul as Parliament debates the new Mines and Minerals Bill, 2025 — a landmark piece of legislation aimed at modernizing the country’s extractive sector.

The Bill replaces outdated colonial-era laws and reasserts that all minerals belong to the State, held in trust by the President. A digital mining cadastre will track all mining rights, with full disclosure of real ownership now mandatory.

The Bill also gives the government new powers over so-called strategic minerals like lithium. These cannot be sold or transferred without ministerial approval.

For the first time, environmental protection is backed by law. Mining companies must insure or contribute 0.1 percent of their monthly output to a national fund to restore degraded land.

Farmers can now reserve land from mining, and disputes with miners must follow formal procedures. Meanwhile, small-scale miners are recognized — and may keep working in key zones under special agreements.
The Bill introduces social responsibility checks, tighter licensing, and a special Mining Court.

✅ 31 Key Takeaways

1. Mineral Rights Vested in the President
   All minerals in Zimbabwe are vested in the President on behalf of the State.
2. Mining Rights Are Limited Rights
   Prospecting, exploration, and mining rights are limited and must comply with the Act.
3. Introduction of Strategic Minerals
   The Minister can declare certain minerals as strategic, requiring special agreements with the State. Clause 212 [No sale or alienation of precious stones or strategic minerals location without approval of Minister]
4. Establishment of the Mining Affairs Board (MAB)
   The MAB is restructured for improved governance, wider stakeholder representation, and oversight. Clauses 7 and 8 [Establishment and functions of Mining Affairs Board]
5. Establishment of the Mining Industry Environmental Protection Fund (MIEPF)
   The Bill establishes the Mining Industry Environmental Protection Fund to promote environmental responsibility and occupational safety in mining operations. Miners are obligated to either:
6. Obtain insurance, a financial guarantee, or acceptable security to cover their statutory environmental rehabilitation liabilities,
   or
7. Contribute a levy of 0.1% of gross monthly mineral production (based on royalty returns) into the Fund if no insurance is secured. The Fund is governed by a Committee chaired by the Secretary and supported by a Fund Manager and staff. It disburses funds for environmental restoration, keeps dedicated audited accounts, and may invest surplus resources. Disbursements can be temporarily suspended if financial shortfalls arise. Relevant clauses: 180 to 193

6. Gender and Regional Balance in Governance
   The composition of the Mining Affairs Board must reflect gender and regional diversity.
7. Mining Cadastre Registry Established
   A centralized digital mining register is created to track all mining rights, enhancing transparency and efficiency. Clause 19 [Access to Mining Cadastre Register] provides for open access to the Mining Cadastre Register.
8. Entries in Mining Cadastre Are Legally Binding
   The Cadastre Register serves as the final legal record of all mining rights and titles. clause 20 [Entries in Mining Cadastre Register to be conclusive proof of mining right or title; rectification of Mining Cadastre Register]
9. Exclusive Prospecting Licences (EPLs) Introduced
   Prospecting is limited to specified areas with new EPLs, replacing the previous general prospecting licences. Clause 31 [Issue of exclusive prospecting licences]
10. Staking Agents Replace Approved Prospectors
    A formal registry is created for staking agents who assist with the legal pegging and demarcation of mining claims. PART IV
11. Civil Penalties for Administrative Offences
    A new system of civil (non-criminal) penalties is introduced for violations, expediting enforcement.
12. Mandatory Work Requirements for Miners
    Holders of mining rights must actively work their claims; payment of fees alone is no longer sufficient.
13. Environmental Rehabilitation Fund Mandated
    All miners must contribute to a fund dedicated to restoring mining sites after operations cease. Clause 152 [Payments from Mining Industry Environmental Protection Fund to landholders affected by mining]
14. Localization and Indigenization Mandated
    Promotes local participation and ownership in the mining industry, especially at the primary mining level.
15. Mining Auction Platform Introduced
    A new online auction system allows for the competitive allocation of mining titles. Clause 258 [Establishment of Mining Auction Platform]
16. Establishment of a Mining Court
    A special court division is created to handle mining-related disputes and litigation efficiently.
17. Standardization of Local Authority Tariffs
    Local government tariffs on mining activities will be standardized to ensure fairness and predictability.
18. Compulsory Acquisition Powers Expanded
    The State can compulsorily acquire mining rights in the national interest.
19. Cancellation for Wasteful Mining Practices
    Mining rights may be revoked for engaging in uneconomic or harmful extraction practices. clause 313 [Cancellation of mining rights for using wasteful mining methods, etc]
20. Protection for Arable and Pastoral Land
    Landowners may register parts of their land to protect it from prospecting and mining activities. Clauses 39 [Registration of arable and pastoral land against prospecting and pegging] and 40 [Disputes about registering or extending the duration of schemes reserving arable and pastoral land against prospecting and pegging]
21. Protection of Infrastructure from Encroachment
    Strict limits are placed on mining near public infrastructure like roads, railways, and electricity lines.
22. Disclosure of Beneficial Ownership Required
    All mining titles must publicly record the real beneficial owners to combat fronting and corruption. clause 20 [Entries in Mining Cadastre Register to be conclusive proof of mining right or title; rectification of Mining Cadastre Register]
23. Restrictions on Mining in Urban Areas
    Special permission must be obtained before mining on town or city lands. Clause 37 [Ground not open to prospecting]
24. Geological Data Submission Required
    Title holders are obliged to submit geological data annually to the State for strategic planning.
25. Farmers May Reserve Limestone Areas
    Landholders may protect limestone deposits for agricultural use, including soil enhancement. Clause 328 [Mining of limestone for agricultural operations]
26. Transfer of Claims for Public Interest Allowed
    The Minister can order the transfer or sale of mining locations deemed to serve the national interest.
27. Right of Appeal for Cancelled Rights
    Miners whose rights are cancelled have access to administrative and judicial appeal mechanisms.
28. Graduated Forfeiture Process
    Mining leases face structured forfeiture steps to ensure fairness and compliance before cancellation.
29. Creation of Mining Training Institutions
    The Minister may establish accredited training centres to upskill the mining workforce.
30. Chartering of Geologists Permitted
    Enables the professional registration and regulation of geologists and geological services.
31. Minister Empowered to Update Regulations
    The Minister may amend legal schedules via statutory instrument to respond to changing circumstances.