Staff Reporter
Government has launched a renewed drive to strengthen mining legislation, improve transparency in the tender process, and ensure the country benefits fully from its mineral wealth.
Speaking at a capacity-building workshop on mining legislation, mining agreements, and tender processes in Victoria Falls on 10 May, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Caleb Makwiranzou, said the initiative comes at a crucial time as the country reforms key mining laws.
“This workshop is of cardinal importance. It equips public officials with essential skills in mining legislation, agreements, and tender processes – areas that, if poorly handled, could result in huge national losses,” Honourable Makwiranzou said.
The training, fully funded by the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), marks the first such workshop to be held outside Harare. It was initiated by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to enhance government capacity in negotiating and managing contracts in the mining and petroleum sectors.
Deputy Minister Makwiranzou confirmed that major legal reforms are underway, including amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act, the Gold Trade Act, and the Precious Stones Trade Act.
“These laws have become outdated and no longer respond to modern developments, such as technological advances and the land reform programme. Mining disputes have also worryingly increased in recent years,” he said.
He added that Government is shifting policy to ensure it holds equity in major mining projects, helping secure a fair share of profits for the nation.
“The Government is moving towards a policy where it must have a share in major mining projects. This training opens our eyes to avoid pitfalls that may lead to government losses,” he said.
Honourable Makwiranzou also stressed the importance of transparent tender procedures, saying only capable investors with real value to offer should be awarded mining contracts.
Zimbabwe is on what he described as an “exploration overdrive”, with new discoveries expected, especially in critical minerals and petroleum.
He cited encouraging developments in the Muzarabani basin.
Meanwhile, Honourable Makwiranzou urged officials to fully engage in the training and thanked the ALSF for supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts to professionalise and safeguard its mining sector.
