Online Reporter
THE Government has stepped up efforts to modernise Zimbabwe’s mining sector through ze implementation of a digital mining cadastre system, a development expected to strengthen transparency, eliminate disputes over mining claims and improve investor confidence in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has announced the temporary suspension of walk-in services at the Deputy Cadastre Registrar’s Office, effective Monday, October 26, 2026, to allow officials to accelerate the implementation of the digital Mining Title Management System.
The development marks another important step in Government’s efforts to transform mining administration from traditional paper-based processes into a modern, efficient and transparent system capable of supporting the country’s growing mining industry.
In Public Notice No. 07/2026, dated October 23, Secretary for Mines and Mining Development Dr Thomas Utete Wushe said the temporary arrangement would enable ministry officials to concentrate on improving the management of mining titles.
The ministry said the digital system would improve the speed, transparency, accuracy and security of mining title administration, which remains central to Zimbabwe’s mineral resource governance.
The latest development comes as Government intensifies implementation of NDS2, covering 2026 to 2030, which identifies mining as a strategic driver of economic growth, industrialisation, mineral beneficiation and employment creation.
Under the economic blueprint, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has a critical responsibility to facilitate mineral exploration, promote investment, strengthen regulatory compliance and ensure that Zimbabwe derives maximum economic benefits from its vast mineral resources.
Central to these objectives is the modernisation of mining title administration, particularly the introduction of a reliable cadastral system capable of addressing longstanding challenges associated with overlapping mining claims, processing delays and uncertainty over mineral rights.
Government previously revealed that the ministry maintains a repository of more than 60 000 mining licences, including blocks of claims, special grants, mining leases and exclusive prospecting orders.
The digitisation programme is expected to strengthen the management of these records while providing a more predictable environment for both established mining companies and emerging investors.
The reforms are particularly significant as Zimbabwe seeks to expand mineral exploration and attract investment into key mineral value chains, including gold, platinum, lithium, chrome, coal and iron and steel.
A transparent and accurate mining title management system is also expected to benefit small-scale miners, who play an important role in mineral production but often face challenges relating to claim administration and disputes over mining boundaries.
The Ministry recently commenced a 90-day exercise to digitise existing mining title records through the Mining Cadastre Information Management System, with mining title holders whose surveyed coordinates are missing from official records being urged to submit the necessary documentation.
The exercise, which began on October 15, is aimed at establishing a comprehensive and accurate register of mineral rights, forming an important foundation for the wider digital transformation programme.
While the Deputy Cadastre Registrar’s Office temporarily suspends walk-in services, the ministry has assured stakeholders that applications and supporting documents can still be submitted through their respective Provincial Mining Directors’ offices.
Stakeholders requiring assistance have been encouraged to contact the ministry through its official toll-free landline, 08004577, between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Dr Wushe’s notice also cautioned the public against individuals falsely presenting themselves as agents appointed to facilitate access to the office.
The ministry emphasised that it has not appointed any such agents and does not charge fees for facilitating access, urging members of the public to report suspected fraudulent activities to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, the police or its toll-free line.
The transition towards digital mining administration represents an important component of Zimbabwe’s broader economic transformation agenda, particularly as the country seeks to move beyond mineral extraction towards increased beneficiation, value addition and mineral-led industrial development.
With NDS2 placing greater emphasis on investment, productivity and industrialisation, an efficient mining cadastre is expected to provide the administrative certainty needed to support responsible mineral development and strengthen Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as a mining investment destination.
The ministry said the public would be advised through a further notice when walk-in services at the Deputy Cadastre Registrar’s Office resume.
