Mines and Minerals Act Set to Address Key Challenges for Mine Surveyors if Passed

AMSZ AGM 2024 in Nyanga

The new Mines and Minerals Act, currently under consideration in Zimbabwe, aims to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by mine surveyors in the country.

By Ryan Chigoche

According to the Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ), the proposed legislative reforms could significantly improve the regulatory environment, ensuring better safety standards, modernized practices, and a more sustainable future for the surveying profession.

For years, mine surveyors have called for regulatory changes to align with their profession’s evolving demands and the rapid advancements in mining technology. The existing laws, many of which were enacted decades ago, are now outdated and ill-suited to the mining industry’s modern realities.

According to Stewart Gumbi, the president of the AMSZ, these regulatory gaps pose a threat to the long-term viability of the profession.

“If the bill incorporates the proposed changes and concerns we submitted, it will go a long way in providing the framework needed for mine surveyors to operate more effectively and safely,” Gumbi explained.

He believes the bill if passed with these considerations, will provide the necessary legal framework for surveyors to work efficiently and in line with global standards.

Collaboration Beyond Legislation

While the government plays a crucial role in passing the legislation, Gumbi emphasized that addressing the full scope of challenges facing mine surveyors requires collaboration with private sector stakeholders, including mining companies and employers. Beyond regulatory reforms, industry-wide initiatives are needed to improve working conditions and ensure surveyors receive adequate support in the field.

“The government’s role is crucial, but we also need to engage with private players and employers in the industry. Together, we can address a wider range of challenges,” Gumbi said. He believes stronger public-private partnerships can create a more sustainable environment for mine surveyors by addressing both legislative and operational challenges.

Impact of Delays in Reform

The delay in reviewing and passing the new Mines and Minerals Bill has intensified the challenges faced by stakeholders in the mining sector. For over 20 years, the mining law has remained largely unchanged, leading to gaps that have caused conflicts and inefficiencies within the industry. These delays hinder efforts to modernize practices and align with technological advancements.

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A central theme in Gumbi’s remarks is the importance of robust, clear legislation. Without effective regulatory frameworks, he explained, mine surveyors and the mining sector as a whole will continue to struggle with compliance and operational inefficiencies.

“Once you have good legislation and clear regulations, everything else falls into place. It becomes an issue of compliance, and that is much easier to enforce,” Gumbi stated. He highlighted that such clarity would not only benefit mine surveyors but also enhance productivity and safety throughout the mining industry.

A Brighter Future for Mine Surveyors

As the Mines and Minerals Bill progresses through Parliament, there is growing hope that the legislation will address the critical concerns of mine surveyors while modernizing the sector. Gumbi and the AMSZ remain optimistic that the bill will pave the way for a more efficient, transparent, and technologically advanced mining industry in Zimbabwe.

“The future of mining in Zimbabwe depends on our ability to create a regulatory environment that is both practical and forward-thinking,” Gumbi concluded. “With the right laws in place, we can ensure that mine surveying becomes a safer, more efficient profession, benefiting both the sector and the country as a whole.”

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