Zimbabwe orders mines to appoint 98% local management

THE Government has issued a sweeping directive requiring mining companies operating in Zimbabwe to ensure that 98 percent of senior and middle management positions are held by Zimbabwean citizens, in a move aimed at reshaping ownership structures and strengthening local participation in the sector.

The directive, announced by Minister of Mines and Mining Development Dr Polite Kambamura, applies to all mining operations, including the rapidly expanding lithium subsector, which has attracted significant foreign investment in recent years.

Dr Kambamura said the measure is designed to enforce compliance with the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05] and the Mining Management and Safety Regulations of 1990 (Statutory Instrument 109 of 1990), which govern operational standards within the industry.

"To ensure compliance with the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05] and the Mining Management and Safety Regulations of the 1990 (Statutory Instrument 109 of 1990), senior and middle management staff of gold mines and all other mines must be constituted of 98% Zimbabweans," he said. "We expect immediate compliance with this call."

While the policy applies broadly across the sector, government officials have expressed particular concern over foreign-owned mining operations, especially in the lithium industry, where some companies are accused of relying heavily on expatriate management structures.

Authorities claim that in some instances, key positions such as mine managers, engineers, safety officers and financial controllers are predominantly held by foreign nationals, with limited participation of Zimbabwean professionals.

A senior government official, speaking anonymously, said the new directive marks the end of what authorities view as excessive foreign dominance in strategic mineral operations.

"The days of seeing a foreigner as a general manager, another foreigner as the chief safety officer, another as the HR director, while Zimbabweans are confined to manual labour are over," the official said. "Lithium is ours. The jobs must go to our people."

The Ministry said mining companies are expected to restructure their management teams with immediate effect, with no formal grace period announced for compliance. Firms found in breach risk penalties including fines, suspension of operations, or possible revocation of mining rights.

The government also indicated that it will intensify inspections on mining operations to ensure adherence to the new requirements.

Speaking at a miners' graduation event in Chegutu, Dr Kambamura criticised what he described as the marginalisation of local professionals in the sector.

"You cannot come and mine our lithium, our gold, our diamonds, and then bring your own drivers, your own secretaries, your own mine captains, and your own accountants from your country," he said. "That is not investment. That is exploitation. Our people are qualified. Our people are competent. And now, the law will protect them."

The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has welcomed the directive, saying it will help address long-standing concerns about the exclusion of local professionals from decision-making roles in the industry.

Under the new framework, foreign investors will still be permitted to operate in Zimbabwe, but their role in management will be significantly limited. Expatriates may occupy no more than two percent of senior and middle management positions, and only where specific skills gaps are demonstrated.

The policy is expected to have significant implications for major foreign-owned mining operations, particularly in lithium-rich regions such as Bikita, Kamativi and Goromonzi, where international firms have established a strong presence in recent years.

Government officials insist the reforms are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Zimbabwe's mineral wealth translates into meaningful local empowerment and industrial development.