Mines and Minerals Bill, 2025

The Mines and Minerals Bill, 2025, proposes to modernize Zimbabwe’s mining laws by replacing the outdated Mines and Minerals Act. It introduces a new Mining Cadastre Register for managing mining rights, streamlines mining title types, and strengthens environmental and community protections. Key updates include:
• Replacement of “mining commissioner” with “Provincial Mining Director” (PMD)
• Stricter rules for prospectors and pegging claims
• Introduction of strategic minerals and exclusive exploration licenses
• Environmental restoration obligations and social responsibility requirements for miners
• Stronger dispute resolution mechanisms
• Civil penalties for non-compliance instead of mostly criminal sanctions

The Bill also prioritizes transparency, simplifies mining leases, and allows appeals to the Administrative Court for affected stakeholders.