Inclusive Legislative Framework to Spur Sustainable Mining in Zimbabwe  

Zimbabwe has made significant strides in modernizing her mining legislation and regulations, with the Mines and Minerals Bill, gazetted on 25 June 2025, providing inclusive legislation to will create an enabling environment for all mining stakeholders, the Hon. Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando, has said.

By Francis S. Bingandadi FinTech Review.Africa

Addressing delegates at the 2025 Mine Entra Conference, Minister Chitando said that the inclusive mining legislative obtained through consultations with key stakeholders, “is meant to curb illicit activities and formalize operations, making Zimbabwe a model for responsible and sustainable mining in Africa.”

Hon. Chitando, added that, “All mining should be carried out in a responsible manner in line with the Responsible Mining Audit, and said government, “will soon launch the second phase with zero tolerance to mining without ensuring rehabilitation of mined out areas. The launch is set to be done before the end of the year 2025.”

The Mining Minister said that Zimbabwe is planning, “Beyond extraction through Beneficiation we are committed to creating maximum value for the benefit of the nation of Zimbabwe.”

He added that, “export restrictions for all base mineral ores and beneficiation taxes have spurred progress: Lithium companies are advancing battery-grade lithium processing, with investments like that at Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe where they are constructing a Lithium Sulphate Plant. Government has banned the exports of lithium concentrates by 2027. I would also want to reaffirm the position of government that export of chrome ores and chrome concerntrates are banned.”

In the PGM and coal sectors, we are advancing value addition through expanded smelting and coking capacities. Progress is particularly notable in coke production, a critical input for metallurgy. Concurrently, research is underway to develop processing methods for PGM oxides, as the nation makes strategic progress toward establishing a base metal refinery.

In the iron and steel sector, the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) Manhize plant has commenced production of deformed bars and steel billets, with plans underway to expand into a broader range of steel products including angle iron and flat bars.

This value oriented drive retains value within Zimbabwe, creates jobs, and positions Zimbabwe as a leader in the energy transition because true sustainability means benefiting our people first.