Online Reporter
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE Government plans to undertake a high-resolution national airborne geophysical survey to generate updated geological information that will help the Government identify areas with mineral potential, improve mineral exploration and strengthen decision-making when allocating mining rights.
In an interview on the sidelines of the ministry’s three-day Mid-Term Performance Review and Second-Half Reset Workshop in Kadoma last week, Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Polite Kambamura said the aerogeophysical survey could help the country effectively manage and maximise value from its mineral resources.
“We have to understand exactly what we have beneath our feet before we can make informed decisions about how those resources should be exploited. Very soon, we will explore the whole country and establish what we have,” he said.
Zimbabwe, he added, was currently issuing some geological maps based on outdated information, despite significant changes in mineral exploration.
“Some of the maps we are issuing today are based on information that is 40 years old, before several new minerals were discovered,” he said.
It is believed that updated geological information would enable the Government to better understand the resources contained in particular areas before granting mining rights or entering into partnerships with investors.
Dr Kambamura said the adoption of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence and drones, would complement rather than replace geologists.
“We must also think about future generations. We have an obligation to ensure that our children and their children can benefit from Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth,” he said.
The ministry, he added, would prioritise the mining cadastre system and finalise amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act for the remainder of the year.
The E-Mine Cadastre System is expected to improve transparency in the allocation and administration of mining rights by allowing investors to establish which ground is available, who holds mining rights over particular areas and what obligations are attached to those rights.
On beneficiation, Dr Kambamura said the Government would continue enforcing the ban on the export of raw base minerals.
The Government is also seeking to improve gold production and reduce leakages through formalisation and increased support for artisanal and small-scale miners.
Further, the ministry plans to finalise the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Strategy and undertake quarterly gold mobilisation exercises.
“We must know what resources we have, ensure they are properly accounted for, promote beneficiation and value addition, strengthen local participation and ensure that mining benefits both current and future generations,” he said.
