Govt Officials Trained to Strengthen Mining Contract Oversight

In a move aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity to benefit from its vast mineral wealth, officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development are undergoing intensive training to improve their ability to draft, negotiate, and manage mining contracts.

The three-day capacity-building workshop, currently underway in Victoria Falls, is taking place as Zimbabwe reviews key mining legislation, including the Mines and Minerals Act, the Gold Trade Act, and the Precious Stones Trade Act. These laws, many of which have become outdated, are being revised to reflect modern practices and align with technological advancements and the realities of the Land Reform Programme.

Recent years have seen a notable increase in mining-related disputes, underscoring the inadequacy of the current legal framework in addressing emerging sector challenges. Authorities are hopeful that the ongoing training will contribute meaningfully to the legislative reform process and enhance contract management to safeguard national interests.

The workshop, facilitated by the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), is equipping participants with essential skills in mining legislation, contract drafting, and tender procedures. A central focus is ensuring that government officials are better positioned to secure beneficial agreements, especially as Zimbabwe shifts towards holding equity in major mining ventures to maximise state returns.

Zimbabwe is home to over 60 economically viable minerals, including oil and gas, making it a strategically significant player in the global extractive sector. Strengthening legal and administrative capacity is expected to bolster investor confidence while ensuring that the country derives sustainable value from its natural resources.