Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr. Eng. Polite Kambamura says the Ministry must finalise legal reforms and improve support for small-scale miners before year end, as Government shifts focus from raw output to value creation and community benefit.
Addressing the 2026 Mid-Term Strategic Planning Review Workshop in Kadoma, Dr. Kambamura said regulatory modernisation was urgent for investment and transparency.
“The modernisation of the Mines and Minerals Act must be finalised before year end, working with the Deputy Attorney General towards presentation to both Houses,” he said. “The E-Mine Cadastre System must be completed, so that an investor can establish which ground is available, who holds what right and what obligations attach to it.”
On gold, Dr Kambamura said Government’s reservation policy for citizens must be backed by practical support.
“Government has reserved small and medium-scale gold mining for Zimbabwean citizens, and that reservation must be matched by capability; training, safety, environmental compliance, traceable delivery and access to affordable finance and equipment,” he said.
Dr Kambamura also raised concerns over environmental compliance in the sector.
“Weak adherence to Environmental Impact Assessment regulations, inadequate rehabilitation and pollution continue to threaten ecosystems and livelihoods,” he warned, and called for ramping up “safety, health and environmental training for artisanal and small-scale miners.”
In energy minerals, Dr. Kambamura announced a reclassification aimed at unlocking more industrial use.
“Coal is now classified as a Special Critical mineral,” he said, adding that Government “shall repossess idle coal concessions held in speculation and pursue partnerships with clean coal technology providers for thermal power, fertilisers, industrial gases and liquid fuels.”
Dr Kambamura called for a new benchmark for the sector, one measured beyond production volumes.
“The ultimate measure of our success will not be the tonnes extracted, nor even the plants commissioned. It will be the products manufactured in Zimbabwe, the enterprises supplying our mines, the careers created and the extent to which mineral wealth becomes lasting national capability,” he said.
“A gram of gold mined, a tonne of lithium extracted, a pound of steel produced and a carat of diamond cut and polished should benefit a community in Gwanda, a community in Muzarabani and a community in Mwenezi — leaving no one and no place behind.”
