The Bill aims to make significant changes to the mining sector in the country, including repealing the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05] from 1961 and introducing new regulations and procedures.
Some key provisions of the Bill include restructuring the Mining Affairs Board, establishing the Mining Cadastre Register, and implementing stricter regulations for prospectors. Additionally, the Bill addresses issues such as environmental restoration, indigenisation, and the concept of “strategic minerals.” It is crucial for stakeholders in the mining industry to actively participate in the legislative process to ensure that the new legal framework supports sustainable business practices and contributes to the overall development of Zimbabwe.
The Transition to a Computerised Mining Cadastre System in Zimbabwe Introduces New Compliance Obligations
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has released General Notice 01 of 2025, signalling a major regulatory development for Zimbabwe’s mining industry. The Government is now finalising its transition to a Computerised Mining Cadastre Information Management System (CMCIMS)—a nationwide digital registry of all mining titles and operations.
This initiative is a key step in modernising Zimbabwe’s mineral rights administration and aligns the country with regional and international best practice.
New Survey Standards Now Mandatory
Effective 1 July 2025, the Ministry requires that all mining title holders and applicants submit co-ordinates that:
- Conform to the UTM Arc 1950 coordinate system
- Are based on the Clarke 1880 spheroid
- Are captured by registered Mine Surveyors using survey-grade
instruments, and - Adhere to both national and international survey standards.
This requirement applies to:
- Renewals of existing mining titles
- Pending applications that were submitted prior to this notice, and
- All new mining title applications moving forward
No Re-pegging Required
The Ministry has emphasised that this is not a call to re-peg claims. Instead, the process is intended to synchronise all spatial data into the national digital cadastre platform. This integration will enable accurate mapping of mineral rights, efficient data management, and transparent administration of the mining title system.
Actions Required by Stakeholders
Mining title holders must:
- Engage Approved Prospectors and registered Mine Surveyors
- Re-submit co-ordinates for any pending applications
- Ensure that renewals are processed timeously with compliant spatial data.
A list of certified Mine Surveyors is available at Provincial Mining Offices or via the Chief Government Mining Engineer (CGME).
Enforcement Warning
The Ministry has issued a firm warning: any mining title holder, prospector, surveyor, or official found attempting to manipulate the cadastre system will face enforcement measures. Integrity and full cooperation are essential to the success of this national initiative.
Implications for the Mining Sector
The introduction of the CMCIMS is expected to:
- Enhance investor confidence through improved title security
- Minimise boundary disputes
- Enable better regulatory oversight and environmental monitoring
- Streamline the licensing and renewal process across all mining titles.
This digital transition represents a landmark reform in Zimbabwe’s mining regulatory framework.
Further Information
Mining title holders and applicants are advised to act without delay. For guidance, they may contact their nearest Provincial Mining Office or the Chief Government
Mining Engineer. This article is intended as a general update. For legal or technical advice specific to your mining operations or licence applications, please consult a registered Mine Surveyor or qualified legal practitioner specialising in mining law.
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Read the original publication at LexAfrica / Scanlen & Holderness
