Govt Backs ZIG 103.7m Mining Cadastre Rollout

Green Governance Zimbabwe (GGZ) has welcomed the Government’s allocation of ZIG 103.7 million (about USD 4 million) in the 2026 National Budget to finalise the Computerised Mining Cadastre System (CMCS) – a platform expected to modernise how mining rights are recorded, licensed and monitored across the country.The CMCS, now 90% complete according to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, is set for commissioning in the first quarter of 2026. The system will publicly disclose key information such as mine ownership, licence validity, locations of mining claims, compliance history and spatial data showing mining activity. GGZ says this transparency is vital for curbing double allocations, reducing disputes and improving accountability in Zimbabwe’s mineral sector.More Than Technology NeededWhile noting progress, GGZ emphasised that digital infrastructure alone is not enough to ensure full implementation. The organisation urged Government to allocate resources for community consultations and awareness campaigns to help local authorities, community members and small-scale miners understand how the system works and how they can use it to protect their land rights.Persistent operational gaps – including slow data validation, weak inspection tools, inadequate internet connectivity in some provinces and limited personnel – remain a risk to effective rollout. Without addressing these weaknesses, GGZ warns, the CMCS cannot deliver the transparency and revenue improvements it promises.Boost for Safety, Compliance and InvestmentA fully functional cadastre system is expected to reduce disputes between miners, clearly mark boundaries, and help authorities crack down on illegal mining that threatens communities and the environment. GGZ notes that transparent title information also enables communities to know which companies operate nearby and what legal obligations they must meet.The organisation also highlighted the system’s role in strengthening Zimbabwe’s investment climate. Predictable and publicly accessible licensing processes help attract both domestic and foreign investors, reducing corruption and improving revenue collection through accurate licence fees and royalties.Call for Ring-Fenced Operational BudgetGGZ urged Treasury and Parliament to complement the capital allocation with a ring-fenced operational budget covering mobility, staff training, compliance audits and structured community outreach. Consistent funding, the organisation says, will enable the Ministry of Mines to fully operationalise the system and restore public trust in the management of Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth.Commitment to TransparencyGGZ reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that advance transparency, accountability and inclusive development in the extractives sector.“The country’s mineral wealth must contribute to improved livelihoods and national transformation,” the organisation said.