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Despite the surging global demand for critical minerals spurred by the green energy revolution, Zimbabwe continues to lag behind regional counterparts in deploying modern geological mapping systems essential for investment attraction.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
In stark contrast, neighbouring Zambia has already embarked on a US$100 million nationwide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey to bolster exploration, transparency, and economic governance of its mineral wealth.
In July 2024, Zambia officially launched its ambitious project in collaboration with global smart mapping giant Xcalibur. The survey covers all ten provinces, utilising advanced technologies including airborne magnetics, radiometrics, and gravity gradiometry offering subsurface imaging to depths of several kilometres. The data is expected to reach 70% completion by the end of 2025.
Zambia’s Ministry of Mines integrated the aerial data into its cadastre system at inception—pre-zoning mineral claims, reducing disputes, and increasing investor confidence through early access to validated geological data. Beyond just data acquisition, Zambia has emphasised robust quality control, centralised data governance, and transparent public access. Skills transfer has also been prioritised to empower local professionals in geophysics, data processing, and mapping technologies.
Asked whether Zimbabwe is considering a similar model, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Dr. Polite Kambamura, replied briefly: “Soon we will be starting ours.”
While this signals intent, it raises more questions than it answers. Zimbabwe, a country with one of Africa’s most diversified mineral portfolios—platinum, lithium, gold, and rare earths—has yet to communicate a clear timeline or structure for a nationwide survey.
Interestingly, Zimbabwe is not without capacity. Local geophysical company AeroSurveys Airborne Mineral Exploration (Aerosurveys), a leading provider of airborne and ground geophysical surveys, already offers world-class solutions including aeromagnetic, electromagnetic, and radiometric surveys. With proven experience across Africa and access to advanced sensor technology, AeroSurveys could play a pivotal role if Zimbabwe were to finally launch its own nationwide mapping initiative.
The current system still relies heavily on manual pegging, outdated paper maps, and underfunded survey departments at the provincial level. In a time where data is the new gold, this approach is increasingly incompatible with a US$40 billion mining industry ambition. Integrating modern geospatial data with the Mining Cadastre System would de-risk investments, enhance claim validations, and build investor trust.
If Zambia—formerly less aggressive in mineral exploration—can attract hundreds of millions in exploration investment through geophysical openness and technology, Zimbabwe should not be left behind. As other nations digitise and map their wealth from the sky, Zimbabwe must decide: will it lead in resource intelligence or continue to walk blind into a high-stakes exploration era?
With local firms like Aerosurveys on standby and political will seemingly present, the question remains: Is Zimbabwe not ready—or simply waiting too long—to take off?
