Story by Tichaona Kurewa
IN a bid to maximise Zimbabwe’s gains from its rich mineral resources, officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development are participating in capacity-building training designed to enhance their skills in drafting, negotiating, and overseeing mining contracts.
The three-day workshop, being held in Victoria Falls, comes at a critical time as Zimbabwe undertakes the process of amending key mining laws, including the Mines and Minerals Act, the Gold Trade Act, and the Precious Stones Trade Act.
These pieces of legislation have become outdated and are no longer aligning with technological advances or implications of the Land Reform Programme.
Mining-related disputes have also been on the rise in recent years, a clear indication that the current legal framework does not adequately address modern challenges.
Government is optimistic that the training will aid significantly in addressing these issues as the country moves to modernise its mining legislation.
“An understanding of our mining legislation by government officials is key to the efficient running of the mining industry. With regard to agreements, the government is moving towards a policy where it must hold a stake in major mining projects to ensure full national benefit. This training will help us avoid pitfalls that could result in losses to the state,” Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Engineer Caleb Makwiranzou noted.
The workshop is facilitated by the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), with trainers equipping participants with skills in mining legislation, drafting of agreements, and navigating the tender process.
“The content of the law plays a critical role in an investor’s decision to invest in a country. While it is not the only factor, the prospectivity of the mineral deposit is also key, the legal framework is definitely among the top ten considerations for investors,” a trainer, Mr Ian Coles said.
Zimbabwe is endowed with over 60 economically viable minerals including oil and gas, positioning the country as a significant player in the global extractive industry.
