Zimbabwe’s Parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to push for transformative mining reforms aimed at ensuring communities benefit meaningfully from the country’s mineral wealth, while also enhancing investment, beneficiation, and sustainable power supply to drive long-term national development, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion, Hon. Energy Mutodi, Masvingo South Member of Parliament Hon. Tanatsiwa Mukomberi told delegates at the Chamber of Mines Annual Mining Conference in Victoria Falls that the country needs to urgently address widespread public concerns regarding the mining sector’s impact, its benefits to citizens, and the transparency of mineral resource governance.
“Our mandate as Parliament includes legislative, representative, and oversight roles. We’re receiving strong sentiments from the public calling for mining to translate into tangible development—roads, clean water, schools, and clinics,” Mukomberi said.
He cited constitutional obligations under Section 13(4), which states that local communities must benefit from resources in their areas. However, mining-rich districts like Marange still lack basic infrastructure. This paradox—where communities are surrounded by mineral wealth yet remain in poverty—has led to growing calls for reinstating Community Share Ownership Trusts (CSOTs), under which communities would receive a 10% stake in nearby mining operations.
Mukomberi stressed that environmental concerns were equally critical. While acknowledging that mining inherently disrupts land, he urged miners to implement responsible and sustainable practices, echoing Parliament’s concern with intergenerational equity—a key tenet in the Public Finance Management Act.
“The principle demands that both current and future generations benefit from mining. This means not only extracting responsibly but also reinvesting in exploration, education, and infrastructure to ensure long-term returns,” he said.
He called for more deliberate national budgeting for exploration, particularly in high-potential areas like Muzarabani (gas) and Lupane (coalbed methane), and for full geological mapping to guide investors. Beneficiation and value addition were also top priorities.
“When we export raw minerals, we’re exporting jobs and reducing foreign currency potential. Parliament wants lithium miners to submit proposals to establish processing plants locally. The current 5% beneficiation tax must be reviewed upwards to incentivise local processing,” he added.
Among the strongest proposals from Parliament and the public were:
- A sliding scale royalty system based on global mineral prices to cushion miners when prices are low and capture more revenue when prices are high.
- A revenue-sharing mechanism between the central government, local authorities, and communities from royalties.
- A review of the 20% Capital Gains Tax on mining title transfers.
- Mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) legislation tied to environmental performance.
- Stronger compliance with land development levies set by rural district councils.
Mukomberi also highlighted the public’s desire to see indigenous Zimbabweans managing major mines and called for significant investment in mining education and skills development.
On the energy front, he painted a stark picture: the beneficiation plant recently visited by Parliament will require 200 megawatts of electricity at full capacity. He warned that Zimbabwe’s power deficit threatens mining sector viability, echoing calls made throughout the conference.
“There’s urgent need for investment in power generation. Government must incentivise renewable energy by offering guaranteed tariffs and guarantees for Independent Power Producers. Banks must also be encouraged to finance these projects,” he said.
He concluded by urging collaboration across Parliament, government, mining companies, and financiers, saying a thriving mining sector must deliver inclusive growth, local benefits, and future-ready sustainability.
“Our minerals must not be a curse but a foundation for development. This requires bold decisions, strong laws, and collective commitment.”
