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NDS2: Zimbabwe Bans Foreign Small-Scale Gold Mining This is a massive policy shift for the sector. Announced by Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura, the immediate ban draws a definitive line between local citizen-driven operations and heavy foreign capital. It targets a vital pillar of the economy, as small-scale miners are responsible for roughly 65% of Zimbabwe's total gold output. The government's new framework explicitly defines the parameters of the protected sector and what affected foreign operators must do to adapt. ### Redefining Small-Scale Mining Under the new rules, the small- and medium-scale gold mining sector is strictly defined by two metrics: ✍🏽Production Threshold: Any operation producing up to 20 kilograms of gold per month. ✍🏽Capital Threshold: Any operation with a total capital investment of up to US$15 million. Any project falling below these limits is now reserved exclusively for Zimbabwean citizens and 100% citizen-owned corporate entities. ### The Ultimatum for Foreign Investors Foreign individuals, foreign-controlled companies, and foreign beneficial owners are barred from holding small-scale mining titles. They are also prohibited from using "workarounds" like joint ventures, syndicates, tribute agreements, or proxy/nominee structures to retain control. Foreign operators currently active in the small-scale space have been given until January 1, 2027, to choose one of two paths: 1. Scale Up: Transition into the large-scale sector by injecting fresh capital to push investment beyond US$15 million or scaling operations to produce more than 20 kg of gold per month. 2. Exit: Completely halt operations and divest from the small-scale sector. ### Broader Compliance & Accountability Measures The ban is part of a larger push to clean up the sector following rising concerns over environmental degradation, tax leakages, and localized disputes. Along with the ownership restrictions, the Ministry introduced immediate regulatory tighteners: ✍🏽The 98% Management Rule: To maximize local employment, the government now requires that 98% of middle and senior management positions across all mining operations (including large-scale mines) must be held by Zimbabwean nationals. ✍🏽Re-Registration Audit: All small-scale operators must regularize and re-register their titles by the January 2027 deadline. This process will rigorously vet beneficial ownership structures, verify citizenship, and audit tax, labor, and environmental compliance. ✍🏽Targeting Idle Claims: Mining rights for foreign investors will now be strictly tied to active production rather than speculative holding. The government has warned it will actively repossess idle, foreign-owned gold assets that are not being actively developed. This move mirrors Zimbabwe's broader, recent economic strategies—such as the accelerated restrictions on exporting raw lithium—aimed at shifting the country away from being a passive exporter of raw minerals and toward domestic wealth retention and processing.