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The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) is calling on all Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM) to urgently participate in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s ongoing exercise to update mining title coordinates, in line with the national rollout of a digital Mining Cadastre Information Management System (MCIMS), Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
In General Notice No. 1 of 2025, the Ministry announced the commencement of a countrywide exercise to align mining title records with modern geospatial data standards. The initiative began on 1 July 2025 and remains open-ended, allowing miners to submit their updated coordinates at any time.
ZMF Chief Executive Officer Mr. Wellington Takavarasha welcomed the exercise and urged small-scale miners not to delay in updating their coordinates.
“This is a vital opportunity for ASM to formalise and secure their mining titles. By participating in this update, small-scale miners can avoid future disputes and benefit from a transparent, digitised system,” said Takavarasha.
Why This Matters for Small-Scale Miners
The digitisation of mining title information is expected to reduce boundary disputes, improve accuracy in title mapping, and streamline mining title administration. For artisanal and small-scale miners—who often face challenges around claim overlaps and unclear boundaries—this is a major step forward.
“Many disputes within the ASM sector are caused by inaccurate or outdated coordinates. This exercise is designed to fix that. It’s a chance to protect what you’ve worked hard for,” Takavarasha emphasised.
What ASM Miners Need to Do
The Ministry has outlined simple steps for all miners to follow:
Gather Required Documents
Ensure you have your valid mining title documents and any supporting paperwork.Capture Accurate Coordinates
Engage a registered mine surveyor to take accurate, survey-grade coordinates for your claim. Handheld GPS devices are no longer accepted for official submissions.Submit to the Ministry
Take your updated coordinates and documents to your nearest Ministry of Mines and Mining Development office. There is no deadline, so you can submit at any time—but early action is advised.
Benefits of Compliance
Avoid future disputes with neighbouring miners
Increase your chances of receiving investment or loans
Strengthen your legal claim over your mining area
Become part of Zimbabwe’s modernised mining system
“This is about giving miners peace of mind and integrating them into the formal economy. We encourage all small-scale miners to comply without delay,” said Takavarasha.
ZMF’s Continued Support for ASM
As the national voice of small-scale miners, ZMF has pledged to work closely with the Ministry to ensure that artisanal and small-scale operators are not left behind during the transition to the digital cadastre.
Miners facing difficulties in capturing or submitting coordinates are encouraged to consult their local ZMF structures or Provincial Mining Directors for guidance and technical assistance.
“ZMF is here to help. Formalisation begins with simple steps like this. Let’s secure our claims and be part of Zimbabwe’s mining future,” concluded Takavarasha.
