WATCH: E-Cadastre System set for December launch

THE long-awaited Electronic Mining Cadastre System is on course for full operation by December this year, a development set to improve mineral rights administration, end boundary conflicts, and attract responsible investment into Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is showcasing the system to senior executives at the ongoing Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe Annual Conference in Victoria Falls, as part of final processes before nationwide rollout.

First proposed in 2014, the project has undergone a protracted journey to implementation.
Following years of development and data verification challenges, the pilot went online in 2025, initially focusing on Manicaland Province.

The Ministry has since mandated rigorous data submission standards, requiring all mining title holders to submit survey-grade geographic coordinates to synchronise spatial data into the national digital cadastre platform.

Permanent Secretary for Mines and Mining Development, Dr Thomas Utete Wushe, confirmed significant milestones have been achieved.

“We have come here to the chamber to demonstrate that the Government is serious about moving to the next level as far as the e-cadastral system is concerned. We have brought it to the mining executives to say come and see where we are now given the long journey we have taken,” said Dr Wushe.

“We are thinking that by the end of this year the system will be up and running.”
The Permanent Secretary said key technical hurdles have been cleared, with training of surveyors and data capturers now complete. During the three-day conference, attendees are being given the opportunity to test the system.

“Today we are doing test drives. Mining executives will be able to see where their titles are because all the large companies’ data is already up and running. For 60 percent of the mining titles, you can actually log in and see how you can apply,” Dr Wushe said.

The next phase will focus on integrating the small-scale artisanal mining sector.
Mining Deputy Cadastre Registrar, Ms Portia Mungate, emphasised the system is designed to be user-friendly and transparent.

“Here we are exhibiting our mining cadastral project. We have gone a long way into implementation and are almost ready. This is the public portal where clients will be applying during registrations,” she demonstrated.

By incorporating survey-grade coordinate data, the digital platform will ensure strict legal compliance while enhancing security of tenure by providing ironclad proof of ownership once a title is registered.

Furthermore, the system will bring a final end to overlapping titles and boundary disputes that have historically fuelled conflict among miners, investors, and communities. This clarity will attract responsible investment by creating a predictable regulatory environment.

The digitisation will also facilitate formalisation of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, bringing thousands of informal operators into the mainstream economy. For government officials, the centralised data repository will serve as a decision-support tool, enabling rapid access to comprehensive information for informed planning.

Faster processing times for licenses and renewals, combined with online application portals, will significantly improve the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe, positioning the mining sector as a true engine of economic growth.

“We hope that by the end of this year we will be done and we are going to launch the system by December,” said Ms Mungate.