Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development launched an extensive outreach programme from March 13 to 17, 2025, aimed at engaging with small—and large-scale mining operations across Zimbabwe.

By Ryan Chigoche

The initiative is set to cover various key mining regions, offering a unique opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate, discuss challenges, and drive the adoption of sustainable mining practices.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Chief Executive Officer Mr. Wellington Takavarasha explained that the outreach seeks to promote cooperation between miners and policymakers. The initiative is also designed to gather insights and promote informed decision-making in policy formulation for the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.

“By engaging directly with miners, the Committee seeks to gain valuable insights and facilitate informed decision-making on policy formulation that is suitable for ASM operations,” the statement reads.

ZMF has urged miners within the regions outlined in the program to actively participate in the familiarisation sessions, which will provide a platform for direct interaction with policymakers.

The outreach tour will commence in Bindura and move on to Mazowe and Inyathi on March 14, followed by Mutoko and Gwanda on the 15th, Masvingo and Kwekwe on the 16th, and conclude with visits to Kadoma and Mutare on the 17th.

Zimbabwe’s mining sector is rich with diverse mineral resources, including gold, platinum, diamonds, lithium, chrome, and a variety of semi-precious stones.

Small-scale mining operations are predominantly focused on extracting gold, chrome, and semi-precious stones, especially along the Great Dyke belt, which remains a central hub for mining activity.

Gold production, in particular, sees significant involvement from small-scale miners, who contribute about 60 percent of the country’s overall gold output.

This underscores the crucial role small-scale miners play in the industry despite facing challenges related to access to capital, equipment, and training.

The mining industry remains one of the most important pillars of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing substantially to employment, foreign exchange earnings, and the nation’s overall industrial output.

However, the sector faces a host of challenges, including fluctuating commodity prices, regulatory uncertainties, and environmental concerns, making initiatives such as this outreach program essential for its continued growth and sustainability.

The Speaker of Parliament has warned Chinese miner Sunny Yi Feng (Pvt) Ltd to keep its “hands off Hwange” following the company’s recent application to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to prospect for coal in Hwange’s Sinamatella area.

By Ryan Chigoche

The application has sparked fierce backlash, particularly from conservationists and environmental authorities. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has publicly called on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to reject the proposal, citing serious ecological concerns.

According to ZimParks, the proposed mining project targets the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone, a critical habitat for the endangered black rhino. Any mining activity in this area, they warned, would pose a severe threat to the species and disrupt the delicate ecosystem of Hwange National Park.

The issue reached Parliament, where Speaker Jacob Mudenda took a firm stance. Speaking at a recent meeting of Parliament’s Tourism Portfolio Committee, Mudenda made it clear that mining in Hwange National Park is not an option.

“I will not subscribe to mining in national parks. The place that has been identified in national parks for mining purposes is not the only place where you can find coal. We have coal in the southern parts of Binga and in the southeast of Binga—still virgin land. There is plenty of coal, so why disturb the ecology of the animals in national parks?” Mudenda said.

Hwange National Park is not just a wildlife sanctuary; it is also a vital pillar of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry. The park generates significant revenue and provides employment for over 25,000 people. Allowing mining in Sinamatella would likely deter tourists, dealing a blow to local businesses and communities that rely on sustainable tourism.

Beyond tourism, the environmental consequences of mining in a national park could be devastating. Increased air, noise, and water pollution would disrupt wildlife movement, while human activity in protected areas could escalate poaching threats.

Hwange National Park is home to Africa’s second-largest elephant herd and safeguards other critical wildlife species. Conservationists argue that preserving this biodiversity should take precedence over short-term economic gains from coal mining.

Concerns about Chinese mining activities in Zimbabwe extend beyond Hwange. In recent years, Chinese companies have repeatedly come under fire for disregarding environmental regulations and neglecting community welfare. Some of their mining operations have been outright illegal, further fueling public resentment.

As opposition to mining in Hwange grows, all eyes are now on the government to see whether it will uphold conservation priorities or bow to corporate interests.