The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has announced a temporary suspension of issuing Special Grants, according to a public notice released earlier this week. The notice, prominently displayed across Ministry offices, informs stakeholders that no new Special Grant applications will be accepted until further notice.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
In the notice, the Ministry emphasized that the suspension is temporary but did not provide a timeline for its conclusion or the resumption of new applications. Special Grants, which permit mineral exploration or mining activities in reserved areas, are essential for accessing minerals outside the scope of standard mining claims. These grants are crucial in fostering mineral exploration and development throughout Zimbabwe.
The abrupt halt to issuing Special Grants has elicited mixed reactions within the mining sector. Both large-scale operators and junior miners are keenly awaiting updates on when they can apply for access to mineral-rich areas again. This suspension could slow the progress of mineral exploration and mining development, particularly for emerging players seeking opportunities in specialized resources.
While the Ministry did not disclose the reason for the suspension, industry analysts speculate that it may stem from internal policy reviews or regulatory adjustments. Zimbabwe’s growing interest in minerals such as chrome, lithium, gold, platinum, and rare earth elements suggests that the move could aim to streamline application processes or ensure the effective utilization of existing grants before issuing new ones.
Mining sector stakeholders are advised to stay informed by visiting Ministry offices or contacting relevant officials for updates. The notice concludes by reminding applicants that no new submissions will be accepted until further communication is provided.
This development comes as Zimbabwe works to enhance mining’s contribution to the national economy in its quest to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030. Mining remains a vital economic driver, particularly for foreign currency generation, making Special Grants a key instrument in unlocking new exploration projects.
The mining community now awaits further announcements from the Ministry regarding the suspension’s end and any potential changes to the Special Grant issuance process.
