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Source: The law on the siting of works at mining locations – herald

Godknows Hofisi

Business Law

In the past, I have written several articles on mining laws, particularly based on the Mines and Minerals Act (Chapter 21:05).

In this article, I explain the siting of works for construction at mining locations based on the Act.

Mines and Minerals Act on siting of works

This is regulated by Part XIII (Control of Siting of Works on Mining Locations) in the Act.

Section 234 of the Act covers the approved plan required before the erection of certain works.

According to section 234(1) of the Act, subject to section 239, no miner of a registered mining location shall erect or construct upon his mining location any of the following works unless and until he has lodged with the mining commissioner (“Provincial Mining Director”) a plan showing the position of such works and such plan has been approved under this Part:

machinery or plant used for the treatment of ores, concentrates, tailings, slimes or other residues;

dumps;

dams for the storage of waste water or slimes;

compounds for his employees;

buildings of a permanent nature;

sewage disposal works;

recreation grounds; roads.

According to section 234(2), before erecting or constructing any works mentioned in section 234(1) above, the miner of any registered mining location shall:

lodge with the mining commissioner for his approval a plan in triplicate showing the position of the boundaries of the location and of the proposed site of such works or of the areas within which such works are to be situated;

furnish to the mining commissioner the name and address of any owner and occupier, if any, of the land concerned and particulars of all mining locations which are contiguous to the mining location to which the plan relates.

The miner shall, at the same time, furnish a copy of such plan to each such owner and occupier, if any, of land.

Particulars to be shown on the siting of the works plan

According to section 235, in addition to the particulars mentioned in section 234(2)(a), the plan should indicate the position of the workings of such location, the position of any works erected or constructed under section 239 (works may be erected or constructed without approved plan) and the position of any rivers, hills and other natural features, and shall be prepared in such a manner as to indicate as clearly as possible the position of the proposed site and to conform to the requirements of the mining commissioner as to manner of preparation.

Works which may be erected or constructed without an approved plan

According to section 239, notwithstanding anything contained in section 234, the miner of any registered mining location or property may, subject to 237(5), at any time before a siting of works plan has been approved under section 237, erect or construct upon such location or property all or any of the following                                                                       works:

dumps other than tailings;

residents to house not more than thirty-two persons employed in mining operations;

roads not exceeding four metres in width which have no artificial surface such as gravel, stone or similar material.

Procedures to approve the plan

According to section 236(a), on receipt of the siting of works plan referred to in section 234, the mining commissioner shall forthwith, by registered letter, notify:

every owner and occupier, if any, of land concerned and

every holder of a contiguous mining location, of the receipt of the plan and require them to lodge, within 21 days, their objections, if any.

According to section 236(b), the Mining Commissioner must consult the provincial planning officer of the Department of Physical Planning, the regional mining engineer, the provincial water engineer and the regional land inspector of the Department of Natural Resources and where it is proposed to construct a road, the regional agricultural extension officer of the Department of Agricultural Technical and Extension Services.

In terms of section 237(2), if no objection has been received or if no notification was given under section 236 owing to the whereabouts of the owner, the occupier, or the holder of a contiguous mining location is not known to the mining commissioner after due inquiry, the mining commissioner shall proceed to consider the matter.

According to section 237(3), after holding a hearing or considering the matter, the mining commissioner may approve the plan, approve the plan with such amendments and subject to such conditions as he may deem necessary or refuse to approve the plan.

Conclusion

Approved siting of the works plan is a key compliance requirement before the construction work at a mining location.

Disclaimer

This simplified article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the writer’s professional advice.

Godknows (GK) Hofisi, LLB(UNISA), B.Acc(UZ), Hons B.Compt (UNISA), CA(Z), ACCA (Business Valuations), MBA (EBS, Heriot- Watt, UK) is the Managing Partner of Hofisi & Partners Commercial Attorneys, chartered accountant, insolvency practitioner, commercial arbitrator, registered tax accountant and advises on deals and transactions. He has extensive experience in industry and commerce and is a former World Bank staffer in the Resource Management Unit. He sits on the Board of the Council of Estate Administrators in Zimbabwe. He writes in his personal capacity. He can be contacted on +263 772 246 900 or ghofisi@ hofisilaw.com or gohofisi@ gmail.com. Visit www.hofisilaw.com for more articles.

The post The law on the siting of works at mining locations appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Zim hits key IMF Staff-Monitored Programme benchmarks – herald

Business Reporter

The International Monetary Fund has signalled satisfaction with Zimbabwe’s economic stability, after confirming that the country met nearly all its end-March 2026 performance targets under a 10-month Staff-Monitored Programme.

In a statement following the conclusion of its mission to Harare, the IMF team — which met with Finance, Economic Development and Investment Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor Dr John Mushayavanhu  and senior Government officials — praised the country’s macroeconomic resilience.

Driven by a rebound in agriculture, robust mining activity and favourable gold prices, Zimbabwe’s real gross domestic product grew by an exceptional 8,3 percent in 2025.

While the IMF projects growth to moderate to 5 percent for the remainder of 2026, it warned that an impending El Niño weather cycle could drag growth down to the 2 to 3 percent range next year.

“Programme implementation through end-March 2026 was satisfactory,” said the IMF team, which was led by Mr Wojciech Maliszewski.

“All quantitative targets were met, including those on the primary budget balance, net official international reserves, RBZ credit to the nonfinancial public sector, new external non-concessional borrowing, and ZiG monetary base growth.

“All indicative targets were met except one — the indicative target on protected social and priority spending was missed.

“The end-March structural benchmark on improving taxpayer register quality through quarterly monitoring and reporting of filing and payment compliance by new VAT (Value Added Tax) and PAYE (Pay as You Earn) registrants was met.

“The authorities are also making progress towards the end-June and end-September 2026 structural benchmarks.”

Despite the near-term economic momentum, the IMF’s evaluation highlights some structural policy pressures facing the country.

While the Government successfully hit quantitative targets for its primary budget balance and conservative budget execution, it failed its indicative target on protected social and priority spending.

The IMF strongly urged authorities to improve budget execution to ensure timely support to vulnerable populations, emphasising that structural reforms are “essential to consolidate stabilisation gains and strengthen public confidence”.

The RBZ’s tight monetary stance has kept inflation low — projected to average 5,1 percent in 2026 — while stabilising the structured currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG).

“Inflation has remained low, notwithstanding higher energy prices, reflecting tight monetary conditions and relative exchange rate stability, and is projected to average about 5,1 percent in 2026,” said the IMF.

The current account is expected to remain in surplus in 2026, supported by mining and agricultural exports and remittance flows, contributing to a continued increase in gross international reserves.

Growth is expected to moderate to 4,2 percent in 2027 under the baseline, with inflation remaining in single digits.

The IMF urged the central bank to maintain high interest rates until inflation expectations are firmly anchored and to transition away from non-negotiable certificates of deposit towards market-based instruments.

Furthermore, the IMF pressed the authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy to liberalise the foreign exchange market and reform its current forex intervention framework to reduce persistent parallel market distortions.

The mission reiterated that resolving Zimbabwe’s massive external arrears and restoring long-term debt sustainability remain the ultimate hurdles to the country re-entering international capital markets.

While welcoming ongoing discussions with external partners, the IMF stressed that further financial assistance hinges on sustained progress under the SMP, meticulous debt data reconciliation, and a transparent strategy for creditor engagement.

The IMF welcomes the authorities’ commitment to maintaining spending within the approved 2026 national budget, while saving additional revenues to build buffers for potential food-security needs in 2027.

The team also welcomes commitments to contain fiscal risks from gold delivery incentives, including by assessing their continued relevance in the 2027 National Budget and limiting payments this year.

Strengthening budget execution, commitment controls, public financial management, and domestic arrears clearance will be critical to prevent new arrears and safeguard fiscal credibility, it said.

This evaluation arrives as local private sector players have increasingly applauded the country’s unprecedented economic stability.

Senior business executives report high predictability, with several noting that they do not see this positive momentum stopping anytime soon.

In recent market assessments, blue-chip beverage giant Delta Corporation projected its annual revenue to grow, driven by robust consumer demand and strategic volume growth.

Similarly, food manufacturing giant National Foods reported a highly stable operational environment and continued infrastructure investment, backed by strong consumer confidence.

Weighing in on the trajectory, economist Brains Muchemwa commended the growing culture of fiscal discipline among local policymakers, calling the current economic stability “historic” and a massive departure from previous years.

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Source: President to headline industrialisation indaba – herald

Business Reporter

President Mnangagwa will inaugurate the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo 2026, a landmark event scheduled to take place at the Harare International Conference Centre from July 23 to 24.

Themed “Accelerating Industrialisation Through Regional Value Chains, Innovation and Trade,” the high-level event is a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS) and the country’s national trade promotion and development body, ZimTrade.

The conference comes at a time when Zimbabwe is experiencing increased economic stability, providing a predictable foundation for long-term industrial planning.

Organisers emphasise that ZICE 2026 is not a traditional conference, but rather an action-oriented platform designed to connect policymakers, investors, industrialists and innovators.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on X, the conference will provide a premier platform to connect policymakers, investors, industrialists, innovators and development partners.

Prof Gift Mugano, the executive director of AEDS, confirmed that preparations for ZICE 2026 are progressing smoothly.

He highlighted that President Mnangagwa’s confirmed attendance as the guest of honour demonstrates a strong commitment and endorsement from the highest office towards driving Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and economic transformation.

Prof Mugano also noted that all scheduled speakers have officially confirmed their participation.

“It is also very important; hundreds of companies have signed up for the exhibitions and are attending the conference,” said Prof Mugano.

“You have your company like Dinson, you have your National Foods, your data technology companies, your platinum companies like Zimplas; they have registered, they have confirmed, they are coming. For us, it is quite exciting because it shows that there is quite a lot of good work from the private sector.”

Prof Mugano emphasised that ZICE 2026 will be heavily private-sector-led, recognising businesses as the primary drivers of industrialisation.

He noted that universities will also play a crucial role by showcasing how their innovation hubs can create direct linkages with the manufacturing sector, moving their “fantastic work” from research to commercialisation.

In terms of readiness, a dedicated task force — modelled after the team that coordinated the SADC Industrialisation Week in 2024 — is managing the various preparatory committees, all of which are currently on track.

“It’s not just a local extravaganza; there is a strong regional play,” Prof Mugano said.

High-level international speakers are confirmed, including Eunice Kamwendo, the Director of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), alongside representatives from UN agencies like UNIDO, as well as delegates from SADC and COMESA.

Notably, participants from South Africa’s University of Venda will share insights on Special Economic Zones.

“Momentum is building rapidly ahead of the event,” said Prof Mugano.

“Hundreds of companies have already registered to exhibit, sponsor, or attend, with over a thousand corporate executives expected to convene at the conference.”

Dr Mugano said the primary objective is to move beyond dialogue to facilitate real investment deals, strengthen local value chains and accelerate the country’s broader industrial transformation.

The event will prioritise several key sectors essential to Zimbabwe’s economic diversification, including manufacturing, agro-processing, mining beneficiation, renewable energy, infrastructure development, and the digital economy.

By creating a hub for investment matchmaking and public-private partnership engagement, the expo aims to turn ideas into tangible economic outcomes.

Innovation will serve as a core pillar of the conference, with universities, research institutions and innovation hubs expected to showcase commercialisable research and technological solutions.

This academic-industry collaboration is intended to ensure that research outputs directly contribute to national industrial development.

Furthermore, ZICE 2026 is positioning Zimbabwe to capitalise on regional and continental frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), SADC and COMESA.

Discussions will also centre on how the country can better integrate into these markets, improve export competitiveness, and respond effectively to global economic trends.

The conference is open to a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government ministries, private sector leaders, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), financiers and development partners.

The expected outcomes include a robust pipeline of bankable projects, increased foreign and domestic investment commitments and the development of actionable policy recommendations to reform the business environment.

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Source: Industrial, tech skills way to go: President . . . ‘Competency-based education to drive development’ – herald

Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter

GOVERNMENT is expanding school infrastructure, modernising learning environments and improving access to teaching and learning materials, with greater emphasis on digital skills, industrial competencies and innovation to prepare learners for life beyond examinations, President Mnangagwa has said.

The Second Republic, said the President, was also transforming vocational training centres and youth service institutions into centres of excellence to equip young people with practical skills required to boost productivity across key sectors of the economy.

He made the remarks yesterday at the Parliament Building in Mt Hampden while delivering the keynote address at the 34th Junior Parliament Session, which also coincided with the commemoration of the Day of the African Child.

“I note your concerns on access, quality, and relevance of the education you are receiving,” said President Mnangagwa.

“I want to assure you that the education system of our country is evolving, with the heritage and competency-based model forming the bedrock of our national development.

“Government is expanding school infrastructure, modernising learning environments, and improving access to teaching and educational materials. Greater emphasis is being placed on digital and industrial skills as well as innovation, so that all children are prepared for ‘life beyond examinations’ in an ever-evolving world.”

The President expressed satisfaction with the innovations and inventions exhibited by learners during the recently held Zimbabwe International Research Symposium.

He said they were consistent with the Government’s quest to ensure that learners can create and develop products and services which impact day-to-day lives and the economy as a whole.

“Under the Second Republic, we recognise that education does not end in the formal primary and secondary classrooms,” said President Mnangagwa.

“We are, therefore, transforming Vocational Training Centres and Youth Service institutions into modern centres of excellence, where practical and relevant skills are nurtured towards enhancing productivity across all sectors.

“To date, these institutions have trained young people in agriculture, ICT, construction, manufacturing and other critical areas of our economy.”

President Mnangagwa said Government remains focused on initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, particularly for young people.

“My Administration is seized with the important questions related to jobs, livelihoods and economic inclusion. Youth empowerment policies, entrepreneurship support programmes, incubation initiatives and market linkages are laying the foundation for a resourceful generation of innovators, industrialists and job creators,” he said.

Government is implementing several economic initiatives, including improving access to finance for young entrepreneurs and businesses, added the President.

“We are strengthening access to finance, encouraging youth-friendly funding products, and creating avenues for enterprise development across both urban and rural communities.

“No one and no place will be left behind. Technology and innovation are equally central to our ongoing national transformation.

“We are accelerating the expansion of digital access and increasing innovation hubs in our learning institutions so that our young people can participate in the digital economy.

“In line with the Devolution and Decentralisation Agenda, we are also paying special attention to rural communities. A modern Zimbabwe must be one in which all children, in every ward, district and province, have access to similar opportunities,” said President Mnangagwa.

He then implored youths to remain disciplined and guard against drug and substance abuse.

“Discipline, health and the well-being of our people are essential as we build and transform our nation. I am pleased that you, our children, are extremely concerned about drug and substance abuse.

“This is a serious challenge that we must confront together. I call upon parents and guardians, primarily, to create safe spaces within the home environment. “Let us ensure that our children grow up in stable family atmospheres, where they feel happy, loved, understood and supported. We all have a duty to teach our children all-embracing cultural values of respect, honour, tolerance and compassion for others,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said it was important for children to understand and appreciate their history and cultural heritage, not only at the national level, but also their respective family history.

“Let us not deprive them of their right to our rich cultural heritage. A people without a history are like trees without roots,” said President Mnangagwa.

“We all have a duty to put in place the necessary foundational blocks that will guarantee a strong national character, in perpetuity.”

The President challenged members of the Junior Parliament to be responsible leaders, noting that they represent millions of children and young people across Zimbabwe.

“I challenge you to be aware that leadership is not an entitlement. It is in the manner you serve, respect and honour others as well as the choices you make and the discipline you demonstrate,” he said.

President Mnangagwa also conveyed his condolences following the passing of former child parliamentarian, Ms Kimberly Mwanza.

He said her contributions to the Junior Parliament and broader youth empowerment agenda inspired many of her peers, in the Junior Parliament, as well as in the community from which she came.

The President also congratulated Child President Tinashe Mugodhi on his election and the address he delivered, which he described as thoughtful and articulate.

The event was attended by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, development partners and diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, among others.

The post Industrial, tech skills way to go: President . . . ‘Competency-based education to drive development’ appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s largest telecommunications company, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, could see its share price almost double over the next year as its aggressive investment in artificial intelligence (AI), digital services and network infrastructure strengthens its long-term growth outlook, according to a new equity research report.

Investment research firm IH Securities has maintained an “undervalued” recommendation on the telecoms giant, assigning a 12-month target price of US$0.96 per share, compared with its current over-the-counter (OTC) reference price of US$0.50 following the company’s voluntary delisting from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.

The brokerage estimates that the valuation implies an upside of approximately 91 percent, arguing that the current market price reflects the liquidity constraints and pricing inefficiencies associated with Zimbabwe’s OTC market rather than any deterioration in Econet’s underlying business performance.

IH Securities said it had refined its valuation model to place greater emphasis on the company’s intrinsic cash-generating ability, citing confidence in the sustainability of future earnings and cash flows.

The positive outlook follows another year of robust financial performance by the telecommunications operator.

For the financial year ended 28 February 2026, Econet reported revenue of US$1.1 billion, representing a 23 percent increase from the previous year, supported by continued growth across mobile connectivity, broadband data services and digital financial services.

Profitability improved even more sharply, with net profit attributable to shareholders rising 142 percent to US$229 million, largely driven by lower exchange-related losses and improved operational efficiencies. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased to US$459 million, translating into an EBITDA margin of 40.6 percent, highlighting the company’s strong cash generation.

Analysts believe the company’s strategic evolution beyond conventional telecommunications is becoming an increasingly important investment theme.

Econet has accelerated investments aimed at transforming itself into an AI-enabled digital services business, positioning artificial intelligence alongside connectivity as a future driver of revenue growth. The strategy is expected to enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency and support the development of new digital products and enterprise solutions.

The transformation has been accompanied by continued expansion of network infrastructure.

During the reporting period, Econet commissioned 200 additional base stations, including 95 fifth-generation (5G) sites, significantly increasing network capacity and extending coverage across the country. The investment helped accommodate surging demand for digital connectivity, with mobile data traffic doubling during the year while voice traffic expanded by 35 percent.

The company’s fintech ecosystem also continued to strengthen, with EcoCash Holdings Zimbabwe benefiting from rising transaction volumes, an expanding customer base and ongoing technology upgrades. The introduction of additional digital financial products and financial inclusion initiatives further reinforced the platform’s position within Zimbabwe’s rapidly evolving digital payments landscape.

Data and internet services remained Econet’s largest source of revenue, contributing 41.6 percent of total turnover, followed by airtime sales at 28.3 percent and mobile money services at 11.2 percent, underscoring the company’s ongoing transition towards higher-value digital revenue streams.

Looking ahead, IH Securities forecasts continued earnings momentum.

The brokerage expects revenue to increase by 13.5 percent to approximately US$1.28 billion during the current financial year, supported by sustained growth in mobile data consumption, increased adoption of digital financial services and the commercial rollout of AI-enabled products.

EBITDA is projected to reach US$552 million, with operating margins improving to 43 percent, while net profit is forecast to rise to US$329 million as productivity gains continue and foreign exchange-related losses remain contained.

Analysts also highlighted Econet’s commanding competitive position within Zimbabwe’s telecommunications industry as a major long-term advantage.

According to the latest market statistics from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, the company controls approximately 73.75 percent of the country’s active mobile subscriptions, maintaining a dominant lead over its competitors and providing a strong platform from which to expand its AI, digital connectivity and financial services businesses.

The post Econet’s AI Expansion Drives Strong Growth Prospects as Analysts See Significant Share Price Upside appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.