The notion by many citizens that it is high time for the country to move from the archaic system of holding government documents only on paper into a computerised system has proven to be something that needs to be done as a matter of urgency.

When Mining Zimbabwe visited Mashonaland West Ministry of Mines and Mining Development offices in Chinhoyi we were shocked at the state of Geological Maps at the institution.

Geological map 1

Geological map 2

The Ministry’s provincial office has only a handful of proper maps, the rest are torn from old age and should be discarded. The maps were from Rhodesia meaning as the post-independent Zimbabwe no maps have ever been developed or any more geological surveys?

The state of geological maps in one of the areas that are considered to be very rich in minerals is a cause for concern for the government not to see that the country is in urgent need for a computerised culture in doing business.

Geological map 4

Geological map (notice RHODESIA on the map)

The government of Zimbabwe recently projected the USD12 billion mining industry by 2023 and serious steps need to be taken in repairing some of the urgent tasks. Digitalisation of mining titles, geological maps, registration online and uploading mining geologicals online needs urgent attention to ensure smooth flowing of the critical sector.

One advantage of digitalising the maps is the maps can be constantly updated without the need for printing new maps all the time.

The current Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando said the Ministry will be fully computerised by the end of 2021.