ZMF–AMSZ Deal Rolls Out Digital Mapping Standards for Mining Sector

Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector has entered a new era of digital governance following a landmark agreement signed in Harare between the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) and the Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ).

The deal laid the foundation for full implementation of the Mining Cadastre Information Management System (MCIMS), a key provision under the recently gazetted Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill aimed at improving transparency, reducing disputes, and formalising operations nationwide.

The Memorandum of Understanding introduces a structured digital framework for managing mining rights, boundary mapping, and geospatial data.

It is expected to streamline claim verification, minimise ownership conflicts, and promote standardised surveying practices across the sector.

AMSZ president Mr Shepherd Gumbi described the development as transformative for Zimbabwe’s artisanal miners.

“Our partnership with the Zimbabwe Miners Federation is a landmark agreement and supports access to credible mine surveying services, which they critically need for meeting formalisation requirements.

“Secondly, it supports the growth of this sector. Our miners have great potential to grow from small to medium and ultimately to large-scale miners. This is why we are ready to support this sector,” he said.

According to ZBC, the cadastre system is designed to resolve persistent disputes over mining boundaries by applying accurate digital mapping tools.

ZMF Chief Executive Officer Mr Wellington Takavarasha said the rollout would bring clarity to claim allocation and strengthen the governance of mining titles.

“It minimises disputes. There have been a number of disputes that have been occurring, spilling over two years. Now, when you talk about the cadastre system, it’s spot on — the actual sites that are supposed to be allocated,” he said.

As of 1 July 2025, the new system is now operational, requiring all mining title holders, pending applicants, and new claimants to submit updated site coordinates that comply with revised geospatial standards.

Industry leaders have hailed the ZMF–AMSZ partnership as a critical milestone in aligning small-scale mining practices with data-driven regulation and building a stronger, more formalised base for sector-wide growth.