Zimbabwe’s mining sector is experiencing a significant transformation, with mine surveyors stepping into a more prominent and strategic role. Traditionally viewed as technical support staff working behind the scenes, surveyors are now central figures in a data-driven and legally stringent mining environment. Their expertise in precision, professionalism, and adherence to geospatial compliance standards has become indispensable as the sector modernises.
This shift has been propelled by the government’s recent directive, under General Notice 1 of 2025, mandating that all mining title holders must update and submit their claims using the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Arc 1950 coordinate system by July 1, 2025. This deadline is aligned with the rollout of the Mining Cadastre Information Management System (MCIMS), Zimbabwe’s new digital platform intended to replace the antiquated, paper-based title system. A critical stipulation of this policy is that only registered mine surveyors, equipped with survey-grade instruments, are authorised to collect and submit these coordinates, effectively elevating their role to gatekeepers of legal compliance.
The government’s insistence on survey-grade data aims to address the persistent problem of mining boundary disputes, which have been exacerbated by the use of handheld GPS devices. Such devices, with error margins of 5 to 10 metres, have often led to inaccuracies and conflicts over mining site boundaries. By eliminating handheld GPS usage and requiring precision equipment like RTK GPS units, total stations, drones, and 3D scanners, the Ministry of Mines seeks to enhance accuracy, reduce disputes, and ensure the integrity of mining title data.
While this policy marks a notable advancement in title management and sector transparency, it also presents challenges, particularly for traditional peggers and artisanal miners. For years, peggers—who stake claims and mark boundaries in small-scale mining—have played a vital role in Zimbabwe’s mining landscape. Yet many lack access to the sophisticated survey-grade technology or the technical skills now required. The likelihood is that many current mine surveyors will expand their roles to act as both surveyors and staking agents, often referred to as “Surveggers,” which could be a more cost-effective solution for miners who would otherwise employ separate personnel for these functions.
This evolving landscape underscores the urgent need for targeted short-term training programmes aimed at helping peggers transition and upgrade their skills to comply with new standards. Without such support, there is a risk that peggers could lose relevance in the mining ecosystem, undermining an important facet of the sector’s workforce.
The new regulations have also created a buoyant market for mine survey equipment suppliers and service providers. As the July 2025 deadline approaches, demand for certified, high-precision survey tools is expected to surge among both large-scale and small-scale miners. Suppliers offering a range of equipment options tailored to varying budget levels—combined with local technical support, calibration services, and hands-on training—are best positioned to capitalise on this opportunity. Engagement strategies such as live demonstrations, outreach programs in rural mining communities, and partnerships with industry bodies and training institutions may further distinguish suppliers as key contributors to Zimbabwe’s digital mining transformation.
Beyond compliance, the role of mine surveyors is evolving into a strategic partnership within mining operations. Their contributions now extend to vital areas such as operational planning, mine optimisation, and resource management, reflecting a broader shift in the profession from providing basic technical services to becoming central players in the sector’s overall success.
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is actively finalising the comprehensive migration of all mining titles into digital format as part of the computerisation programme. This initiative is designed to bring Zimbabwe’s mining title management in line with global standards, enhancing its efficiency, accuracy, and transparency across key mineral sectors like gold, platinum, chrome, lithium, coal, and nickel. The Zimbabwe Miners Federation has called on all artisanal and small-scale miners to comply with the updated geospatial data standards and participate in the digital cadastre rollout—a collective effort seen as critical to strengthening the governance and sustainability of mining activities nationwide.
As Zimbabwe’s mining industry embraces this digital future, the profession of mine surveying stands out not only for its technical rigor but also for its emerging role as a cornerstone of legal compliance, operational excellence, and sectoral growth. The transition will undoubtedly require concerted efforts from miners, surveyors, equipment suppliers, and regulators alike to ensure that the sector realises the full promise of precision-driven, transparent, and technologically advanced mining operations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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