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In a landmark collaboration aimed at promoting clarity, transparency, and compliance within Zimbabwe’s mining sector, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) and the Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ) will this morning hold a joint press conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the ZMF Head Offices in Harare, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The event is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM, with attendance expected from key mining stakeholders, technical experts, and members of the press.
The development comes amid growing concern and confusion within the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector following the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s recent directive requiring the submission of survey-grade coordinates for mining claims. This new requirement, part of the Ministry’s digitisation strategy through the Mining Cadastre Information Management System (MCIMS), is designed to formalise mining title administration, reduce disputes, and enhance geospatial accuracy.
However, the rollout has raised questions among miners, particularly regarding the cost of compliance, technical understanding, and potential exploitation by unscrupulous actors. In response, ZMF and AMSZ have taken the initiative to jointly engage the mining community and provide clear, unified guidance.
“As the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), we have noted the confusion and unsettlement that has emerged among artisanal and small-scale miners following the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s directive on the submission of survey-grade coordinates,” said ZMF CEO Wellington Takavarasha in a statement ahead of the event.
“While we fully support the government’s move to digitise mining title administration through the Mining Cadastre Information Management System (MCIMS), we believe it is essential that all stakeholders clearly understand what this system entails, why it matters, and how it affects miners at every level.”
The upcoming press conference will serve to demystify the coordinate compliance process, explain the benefits of geospatial accuracy, and outline how miners can align with the new regulatory framework without being overcharged or misled.
“The aim of this engagement is to ensure that all miners are aligned with the new geospatial requirements and the compliance standards introduced. We want to demystify the process, highlight its benefits, and address the current anxiety among miners, particularly around costs, enforcement, and potential exploitation by unscrupulous service providers,” said Takavarasha.
The ZMF CEO emphasised that the compliance requirement should not be viewed as a burden, but as a necessary step toward professionalising the sector and safeguarding claim ownership.
“Compliance with the survey-grade coordinate requirement is not a punishment—it is a protection. It reduces boundary disputes, strengthens claim ownership, and enhances the legitimacy of miners within the formal system. This is a foundational step toward securing titles, attracting investment, and promoting responsible mining practices,” he added.
The MOU signing between ZMF and AMSZ will formalise cooperation between the two institutions, ensuring that small-scale miners have access to certified surveyors at fair and transparent rates. The partnership will also see the two organisations collaborate on capacity building, awareness campaigns, and technical training to support compliance with the new geospatial standards.
The joint initiative is expected to set a precedent for multi-stakeholder coordination in the sector, especially at a time when Zimbabwe is pushing to modernise its mining framework and unlock the full potential of its mineral-rich territory.
