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The Mineral Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) has introduced drone technology as part of a broader crackdown on rampant mineral smuggling that continues to drain the country of critical export revenues.
By Ryan Chigoche
The State-owned entity says the drones will enhance surveillance, stockpile verification, and movement tracking at production sites, particularly in remote and high-risk mining areas.
The initiative comes amid growing concern over unchecked leakages in high-value minerals, especially lithium and gemstones, among several others under MMCZ’s mandate.
In a statement, MMCZ General Manager Dr. Nomsa Moyo confirmed the development, saying the drones will provide a sharper view of mining operations and support more accurate reconciliation of production figures.
“The drones will allow us to precisely measure volumes of excavated materials and stockpiles,” said Dr. Moyo. “This will enable more accurate reconciliation with declared production figures and help identify discrepancies that may signal smuggling or under-declaration.”
Lithium has seen a sharp rise in global demand due to its use in electric vehicle batteries, while Zimbabwe’s semi-precious gemstones continue to attract strong interest from regional and international buyers. However, large volumes of these resources are believed to be leaving the country unaccounted for, depriving the state of critical revenue.
As part of efforts to tighten controls, MMCZ is also finalising a whistleblower platform to encourage anonymous reporting of mineral theft, under-invoicing, and corruption.
Dr. Moyo stressed that minerals should be exported transparently and taxed fairly to ensure the country derives maximum value from its natural resources.
Government policy reforms — including the creation of special economic zones and tax incentives — are aimed at formalising the sector and attracting more compliant investors.
With the integration of drone surveillance and public accountability tools, MMCZ hopes to close loopholes and reinforce the integrity of Zimbabwe’s mineral value chain.
