Zimbabwe’s mining industry could generate greater economic and social benefits if supported by stronger transparency measures, improved infrastructure, enhanced data systems, and targeted policy reforms, according to findings presented by the Zimbabwe Economic Policy Analysis and Research Institute (ZEPARI), Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
Speaking at the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe Annual Mining Conference and Exhibition in Victoria Falls held last week, ZEPARI Executive Director Dr Gibson Chigumira said the country needed to move beyond traditional measures of mining performance and develop mechanisms that capture the sector’s wider contribution to national development.
Mining has strengthened its position as one of Zimbabwe’s most important economic pillars in recent years. Its contribution to gross domestic product increased to 14.5% in 2025 from 12.8% in 2021, while mineral export earnings rose to US$7.3 billion from US$3.7 billion over the same period. The sector now accounts for approximately 75% of Zimbabwe’s total export receipts.
Despite this growth, concerns remain over whether the full value generated by the industry is being effectively measured and translated into sustainable development outcomes.
According to ZEPARI, one of the major weaknesses is the lack of reliable and comprehensive data to support policymaking. While mining’s contribution is typically measured through indicators such as GDP, employment, exports, fiscal revenue, and foreign direct investment, its broader developmental impact often remains undocumented.
These benefits extend to community empowerment programmes, environmental, social and governance initiatives, infrastructure development, education and healthcare investments, capital market growth, and rural industrialisation. However, the absence of systematic data collection and documented evidence continues to limit informed policy discussions and decision-making.
Addressing these shortcomings will require stronger transparency and accountability throughout the mining value chain. Recommendations include establishing a mining contract register, improving disclosure of production, value-addition and export information, and strengthening reporting of community social investments.
The institute also identified weaknesses in data management and sector oversight. Proposed interventions include creating a centralised mining data portal, adopting standardised reporting systems, installing additional weighbridges to improve the accuracy of mineral export measurements, and enhancing technological and technical capacity within Government institutions.
Legislative reforms and stronger stakeholder engagement were also highlighted as important measures to improve sector performance. Regular public disclosures and closer collaboration between Government, mining companies, and civil society organisations were identified as critical to building trust and supporting long-term growth.
The report further recommends comprehensive monitoring and evaluation frameworks incorporating key performance indicators, periodic economic assessments, and mechanisms to track environmental and social contributions made by mining companies.
However, unlocking mining’s full potential will also require addressing persistent operational constraints. High royalty rates, expensive electricity tariffs, elevated financing costs, unreliable power supplies, foreign currency shortages, delayed payments of surrendered export proceeds, and limited access to capital continue to weigh on the industry’s competitiveness.
These challenges are limiting the ability of mining companies to reinvest, expand production, and accelerate project development. With mineral resources finite by nature, ZEPARI stressed the need for long-term strategies that ensure mineral wealth translates into lasting economic transformation, industrial development, and sustainable benefits for future generations.
