Government Sets 2027 Deadline for Foreign Miners to Comply with New Gold Sector Policy

The Government has unveiled a new policy framework requiring all foreign investors and foreign-controlled entities operating in Zimbabwe’s small-scale gold mining sector to regularise their operations by January 1, 2027, in a move aimed at restructuring the industry and strengthening sustainable mining practices.

Under the new measures, affected operators will be expected to transition from small-scale gold mining activities and align with frameworks governing larger-scale mining operations.

Authorities said foreign investors seeking to remain active in the sector will be required to scale up operations beyond prescribed small-scale thresholds, including producing more than 20 kilograms of gold per month or increasing investment capital to above US$15 million to qualify as large-scale mining entities.

Government said the policy seeks to ensure foreign participation in the mining sector is aligned with capital-intensive and sustainable production models, while promoting regulatory compliance and improved sector oversight.

The new framework is also intended to enhance productivity, formalisation and long-term investment in Zimbabwe’s gold industry, one of the country’s key economic pillars.

At the same time, authorities reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to maintaining an open, secure and investor-friendly environment, particularly for medium- and large-scale mining ventures viewed as critical to national economic growth.

Government said priority will continue to be placed on investments that support value addition, mineral beneficiation, exploration and mining infrastructure development as part of broader efforts to maximise returns from the country’s vast mineral wealth.

The latest policy intervention comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to modernise its mining sector, attract higher-value investments and strengthen the contribution of mineral resources to economic transformation.

By Witness A Phiri