The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has launched a nationwide blitz targeting alluvial chrome mining operations and processing plants as Government intensifies enforcement against mining activities operating outside the country’s regulatory framework, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The inspections began on September 25, 2026, with the first phase focusing on Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Midlands provinces before being extended to other parts of the country.
The Ministry said the exercise is aimed at enforcing compliance with the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05], particularly provisions governing the exploitation of alluvial and eluvial chromite deposits.
Under Section 222 of the Act, chromite is designated as a designated mineral. The Ministry said this means that no person may work an alluvial or eluvial chromite deposit without a Mining Affairs Board order issued in terms of Section 225.
The crackdown is expected to affect both mining operations and downstream processing facilities, with the Ministry saying processing plants will also be inspected for regulatory compliance.
“Non-compliant operations face suspension and penalties,” the Ministry said.
The inspections come amid growing Government efforts to tighten control over chrome mining and ensure that mineral extraction takes place within the legal framework.
Alluvial chrome mining has attracted increased regulatory attention because of the need to ensure that operators hold the appropriate mining rights and approvals before extracting the mineral.
The Ministry urged members of the public to assist authorities by reporting suspected illegal alluvial chrome mining activities.
Reports can be made through the Ministry’s toll-free landline, 08004577, through its official reporting channels, or by contacting the relevant Provincial Mining Director.
The Ministry said the inspections would continue beyond the initial three provinces as the nationwide compliance exercise is rolled out.
The crackdown puts operators and processing plants on notice that possession of mineral-bearing ground alone does not remove the requirement to comply with the specific legal provisions governing the extraction and processing of designated minerals such as chromite.
