In a move that may redefine investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) has unveiled a new Investor Grievance Response Mechanism (IGRM) designed to protect existing investments from disruption due to sudden policy shifts, bureaucratic hurdles, or adverse actions by government institutions, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
For Zimbabwe’s mining industry—arguably the bedrock of the economy—this development could not have come at a more critical time.
The IGRM seeks to address investor concerns swiftly and transparently before they escalate into disputes that may derail entire projects. With mining operations often requiring significant upfront capital, long-term commitment, and a delicate relationship with multiple government agencies, the existence of a formal channel for resolving grievances represents a significant boost to investment retention.
In recent years, miners—especially large-scale and foreign investors—have expressed concerns over abrupt regulatory changes, delays in approvals, and contractual uncertainties. These issues, while sometimes minor, often have a ripple effect on production timelines, supply contracts, and ultimately on export earnings.
By launching a dedicated grievance mechanism, ZIDA is not only acknowledging these realities but acting to correct them in a structured, investor-friendly manner.
The mechanism operates through a straightforward digital submission process. When a miner, for instance, is affected by a regulatory change from a Ministry, Department or Agency (MDA)—whether it involves delays in Environmental Impact Assessment approvals, changes to mining title policies, or forex payment challenges—they can submit a grievance directly via the ZIDA portal. The grievance is then reviewed and assessed for urgency and impact. ZIDA promises to act as a bridge, ensuring timely communication and accountability between the investor and the relevant authority, with a five-day deadline set for MDA responses.
If additional information is needed from the investor, they have up to thirty days to furnish details—ample time considering the operational demands within mining companies. ZIDA will then coordinate the dialogue, provide resolution, and, where necessary, facilitate meetings to bring all parties together.
The mining sector is among the most regulated in Zimbabwe, with touchpoints across Ministries including Mines, Finance, Environment, and Local Government. A mechanism such as this, which centralises grievance resolution, could dramatically cut down delays and restore investor faith in the administrative system. Most importantly, it sends a message that Zimbabwe is serious about safeguarding investments already on the ground.
ZIDA, established under the ZIDA Act (Chapter 14:38), has already made notable progress through its One Stop Investment Services Centre, which assists with business registration, licensing, tax facilitation and now, investor aftercare. With the addition of the IGRM, the Agency is adding a critical layer of support, particularly for mining investors navigating complex stakeholder environments.
The mining sector needs institutional certainty to thrive. Whether it’s a foreign lithium producer facing delays in plant commissioning or a local gold miner battling access to electricity due to unclear government priorities, the IGRM provides a structured recourse to ensure operations continue unhindered.
ZIDA’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Judith Mbetu, noted that the mechanism aligns with global best practice and is not just about resolving disputes, but fostering trust. It’s an approach that ensures grievances don’t escalate into legal battles that could jeopardise the mining operation or deter potential reinvestment.
As Zimbabwe works to attract and retain mining investment—be it in lithium, gold, coal, or PGMs—the introduction of this mechanism adds another layer of credibility to its investment promotion efforts. In a competitive African landscape where investor confidence is shaped by ease of doing business and dispute resolution frameworks, the IGRM stands as a clear signal: Zimbabwe is not only open for mining business—it is ready to listen, act, and protect those who dare to invest.
