Zimbabwe bars foreigners from small-scale gold mining as Government orders re-registration by January 2027

Zimbabwe bars foreigners from small-scale gold mining as Government orders re-registration by January 2027
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Government has announced that Zimbabwe’s entire small-scale gold mining sector has been reserved exclusively for Zimbabwean citizens and wholly citizen-owned entities, with immediate effect.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Honourable Polite Kambamura said the new policy, which takes effect from 22 May 2026, applies to mining operations producing up to 20 kilogrammes of gold per month or involving capital investment of up to US$15 million.

“With immediate effect, the small-scale gold mining sector in Zimbabwe is reserved exclusively for Zimbabwean citizens and Zimbabwean citizen wholly owned entities,” Kambamura said.

Under the directive, foreign individuals, foreign-controlled companies and foreign beneficial owners are barred from acquiring, holding or controlling any mining title classified under the small-scale gold mining category. The Minister also said foreigners may not “participat[e] directly or indirectly in the operation or management of small-scale gold mining activities.”

The new measures also target hidden ownership arrangements. Kambamura warned that “any nominee arrangements, proxy ownership structures, undisclosed beneficial ownership arrangements, or other mechanisms intended to circumvent this policy shall be unlawful and subject to cancellation and enforcement action in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe.”

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According to the Minister, foreign investors and foreign-controlled entities already operating in the small-scale gold mining sector have been given until 1 January 2027 to regularise their operations by transitioning to large-scale mining status. This would require producing above 20 kilogrammes of gold per month or recapitalising above US$15 million.

“Foreign investors and foreign-controlled entities currently participating in the small-scale gold mining sector are required to regularise their operations by transitioning to mining operations above the prescribed small-scale thresholds,” he said.

Those who fail to comply risk cancellation of their licences. The Minister also said mining titles must be re-registered under a new citizenship and beneficial ownership verification process by 1 January 2027, warning that “any mining title not re-registered within the prescribed period shall be liable to cancellation or other regulatory action in accordance with applicable law.”

In a further localisation directive, Kambamura said senior and middle management at gold mines — and “all other mines” — must now be made up of 98 percent Zimbabweans. “We expect immediate compliance to this call,” he said.

Government also signalled it will move against dormant mining assets, saying it will follow up on “idle mining assets being held for speculation”.

On gold marketing and accountability, the Minister said: “All gold produced within the small-scale and large-scale mining sector shall continue to be marketed, sold, and accounted for strictly in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe and through duly authorised channels.”

He said the policy aims to stop “illicit mineral trade, fronting arrangements, and resource leakages,” while maintaining that Government will continue to support foreign investment in the mining sector at large-scale level and “guarantee security of tenure” for compliant investors.

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