Zimbabwe moves to classify coal as 'special' critical mineral

Zimbabwe is preparing to designate metallurgical coal as a “special critical mineral” in a policy shift aimed at attracting new investment into the country's vast but underutilised coal reserves, amid renewed global debate over the future role of fossil fuels in industrial development.

The development was disclosed by Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura, who said the government was restructuring its mineral classification framework to distinguish between strategic and critical resources.

Under the proposed framework, metallurgical coal will receive elevated status to encourage fresh capital inflows into the mining and energy sectors.

“Metallurgical coal will be classified as a special critical mineral to attract investment into the coal sector,” said Kambamura.

“This is part of a broader strategy to unlock value from our mineral endowment and support industrial development.”

The move comes at a time when global attitudes toward coal are becoming increasingly complex, particularly in relation to energy security and industrial production.

Recently, Donald Trump designated metallurgical coal as a critical mineral in the United States and approved funding support for the reopening of thermal power facilities, reflecting a renewed emphasis on coal's strategic role in manufacturing and energy supply chains.

Zimbabwean authorities believe a similar approach could help unlock investment into domestic coal projects, particularly if combined with cleaner extraction and processing technologies.

Zimbabwe possesses some of the largest coal reserves in Southern Africa, much of which remains undeveloped despite recurring electricity shortages that continue to affect mining, manufacturing and broader industrial activity.

Thermal power generation remains a major component of the country's energy mix, even as government pursues renewable energy projects.

Kambamura said the reclassification would support efforts to mobilise foreign investment into both power generation and coal beneficiation industries.

“We are endowed with significant coal resources, yet power shortages continue to affect beneficiation and industrialisation,” he said.

“By prioritising coal as a critical mineral, we expect to attract investment that enables both energy generation and the development of by-products.”

The policy marks a noticeable shift from earlier government rhetoric that focused heavily on reducing dependence on coal in favour of cleaner energy alternatives.

Instead, authorities now appear to be adopting a more pragmatic energy strategy that seeks to balance industrialisation needs with gradual adoption of cleaner technologies.

Analysts say the classification could improve investor confidence in Zimbabwe's coal sector at a time when demand for metallurgical coal remains strong globally due to its importance in steel production.

Metallurgical coal, unlike thermal coal used primarily for electricity generation, is a key raw material in the manufacture of steel and other industrial products.

The government hopes the new classification framework will stimulate investment not only in mining operations, but also in downstream industries linked to energy production, steel manufacturing and mineral beneficiation.