Zimbabwe postpones launch of cadestre mining
The government of Zimbabwe has ostponed the launch of its new mining cadastre system to early next year, with an initial rollout focused on Manicaland Province, chosen as the pilot region. Originally scheduled for this year, the delay was caused by challenges in data verification and a shortage of necessary ICT equipment.
A mining cadastre is a digital system for managing land rights and restrictions. It’s designed to increase transparency in mining title administration, eliminate overlapping claims, and strengthen security of tenure. This computerized register will store data on licences, rights, and governmental activities in mining, allowing for quicker processing times in line with global best practices.
Reasons for delays
According to Mr. Pfungwa Kunaka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the project’s delay is primarily due to time-intensive data verification. Teams have been deployed to align the records with actual land details, a critical step for ensuring accurate data representation. Once operational, the system is expected to mitigate issues like bureaucratic delays and corruption, which have hampered the mining industry’s reputation and investor confidence.
The Zimbabwean mining sector plays a significant role in the national economy, generating 70% of the country’s foreign direct investment, 80% of export revenue, and contributing nearly 20% to government income. The sector’s modernization through the cadastre system aims to improve efficiency and transparency, fostering a more favorable investment climate.
