Story by Yolanda Moyo
ZIMBABWE’S long-awaited electronic cadastre system for the mining sector is set to become fully operational by the end of the year, bringing to completion a reform process that began in 2014.
The digital platform is expected to strengthen mining title security, improve transparency and enhance investor confidence in one of the country’s key economic sectors.
Government says the e-Cadastre system has entered its final implementation phase, with nationwide rollout targeted before year-end.
Speaking to ZBC News on the sidelines of the Chamber of Mines Annual Conference in Victoria Falls, where the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is conducting test runs of the platform for senior mining executives, Permanent Secretary Dr Thomas Utete Wushe said the system will modernise the administration of mining rights through greater efficiency and transparency.
“We have come here to the Chamber to demonstrate that Government is serious about moving to the next level as far as the e-Cadastre system is concerned. We are running test exercises over the next three days, during which mining executives will be able to see where their titles are because data for all the large mining companies is now up and running.
“For about 60 percent of the mining titles, the information is already available. Users can log in, view their titles and see how they can apply. The next stage is to populate the system with small-scale and artisanal mining titles. Once that process is complete, we will be ready to inform the nation that the system is fully operational,” said Dr Wushe.
The reform places Zimbabwe alongside other African mining jurisdictions, including Botswana, Ghana and Angola, which have adopted similar systems to improve mining sector governance and attract investment amid growing global demand for minerals used in industrial manufacturing and energy transition technologies.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe says sustained engagement between Government and industry is essential as competition for mining investment continues to intensify.
“The main theme of our conference is unlocking value, maximising benefits and sustaining growth. These issues are fundamentally about mining and the people. We are moving from a perception of mining as an enclave industry to one that is inclusive and benefits all citizens.
“The focus of our beneficiation strategy has largely been on platinum and, more recently, lithium. In the platinum sector, we have progressed from exporting concentrates to exporting matte, with plans for further processing through base and precious metals refineries.
“In the lithium sector, some producers have already moved from concentrate exports to lithium sulphate production. While significant progress has been made, aligning mining and industrial policies will be critical in driving industrialisation and creating more jobs,” said Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer Mr Isaac Kwesu.
Mining remains Zimbabwe’s largest export-earning sector, contributing more than three-quarters of national export revenues. Authorities expect reforms such as the e-Cadastre system to improve sector administration, attract fresh capital and support long-term growth.
