Zimbabwe Reserves Small-Scale Gold Mining for Citizens in Major Policy Shift

Zimbabwe has reserved the small-scale gold mining sector exclusively for citizens and locally owned entities in a significant policy move aimed at strengthening indigenous participation and tightening control over the country’s mineral resources.

The Government says foreign individuals, foreign-controlled companies and foreign beneficial owners will no longer be permitted to acquire, own or control operations classified under the small-scale gold mining category.

Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, said the new directive seeks to safeguard opportunities for indigenous Zimbabweans and ensure local communities derive greater economic benefit from the country’s gold sector.

Under the policy framework, foreign nationals will also be prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in the operation, management or control of small-scale gold mining activities, marking a decisive shift in the regulation of the industry.

Authorities further warned against the use of nominee arrangements, syndicates, partnerships or concealed ownership structures intended to grant foreign interests economic or operational influence within the sector.

Government stressed that any such arrangements deemed to circumvent the law would be treated as unlawful and subject to cancellation, penalties and enforcement action in accordance with Zimbabwean legislation.

The move comes as authorities intensify efforts to formalise the mining sector, curb illicit activities and promote broader local participation in mineral extraction, amid growing recognition of gold mining as a critical driver of economic growth and foreign currency generation.

Officials say the policy is expected to strengthen citizen empowerment in the mining industry while reinforcing Government’s broader agenda of ensuring Zimbabwe’s natural resources deliver maximum benefit to local communities and the national economy.

By Witness A Phiri