Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE has ordered all mining companies to reserve 98% of senior and middle management positions for local citizens, issuing one of its strongest localisation directives to date, with Mines Minister Dr. Polite Kambamura warning that noncompliant firms face fines, licence suspensions, or loss of mining claims.
Mines Minister Dr. Polite Kambamura announced the requirement, warning that operators who fail to comply risk severe penalties, including fines, suspension of licences, or outright loss of their mining claims.
The regulation is expected to hit foreign-owned lithium and gold operations the hardest, as these sectors have historically relied on expatriate staff for technical and leadership roles.
The government defended the directive as a necessary step toward economic justice. Officials argue that Zimbabwe’s vast mineral wealth, which includes some of Africa’s largest lithium and gold reserves, should directly create employment, build local leadership capacity, and empower citizens
Kambamura warned that companies violating this directive risk penalties ranging from heavy fines and license suspensions to the forfeiture of mining claims.
