Advancing Reforms for the Benefit of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners in Zimbabwe

On the 25th of June 2025, the Government of Zimbabwe gazetted the long-awaited Mines and Minerals Bill, 2025. The gazetting of Zimbabwe's Mines and Minerals Bill marks a decisive step in the country's efforts to modernize its mining legislation. The Bill seeks to overhaul the regulatory framework governing the mining industry, modernizing the law to reflect contemporary industry realities. However, for the Bill to achieve its intended goals of fostering an equitable, sustainable, and inclusive mining sector, it must adequately address the realities of those working in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. 

Informed by recommendations from artisanal and small-scale gold miners, that have been shared during consultations led by the planetGOLD Zimbabwe project, this position paper sets out practical proposals on how the Bill can be strengthened to better support ASGM, ensuring the sector's meaningful contribution to economic growth, poverty reduction, and responsible mining practices.