Zimbabwe Reserves Quarry and Granite Mining for Local Investors

Zimbabwe has reserved quarry and granite mining for indigenous investors under a new policy aimed at boosting community benefits and local ownership of natural resources (image source)

The Zimbabwean government has added quarry and granite mining to the list of sectors exclusively reserved for indigenous investors, in a policy shift aimed at strengthening local participation and ensuring communities benefit from natural resource exploitation.

Information Minister Jenfan Muswere announced the decision during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, saying the move aligns with the country’s indigenisation framework. “Cabinet agreed on the need to streamline the operations in the reserved sectors, taking into consideration the balance between national interests and attracting investments into the country,” Muswere told reporters.

The reserved sectors fall under the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act, which sets aside certain industries for Zimbabwean citizens. Current restrictions already cover activities such as artisanal mining, tobacco grading, and packaging. The addition of quarry and granite mining underscores the government’s intent to localise ownership in key resource areas that have historically attracted foreign dominance.

Granite is one of Zimbabwe’s most lucrative natural resources, particularly in Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces, where extraction has been dominated by foreign-owned companies. According to the Centre for Research and Development, the sector generates millions of dollars annually, yet local communities often see little benefit. Analysts say the new policy could redirect value chains toward domestic players if effectively implemented.

Muswere said mining companies are now expected to contribute more directly to rural development by supporting community economic empowerment trusts. “The trusts will be supported to set up industrial parks, working with potential partners in their respective districts,” he said. He added that this structure will guarantee revenue-sharing models so that communities derive tangible benefits from local mineral wealth.

Industry observers note that while the policy strengthens indigenous empowerment, it raises questions about investor confidence. Zimbabwe has been working to attract foreign capital into its mining sector, which contributes more than 60 percent of export earnings. Analysts warn that balancing empowerment with investment inflows will be critical to sustaining growth.

Civil society and local leaders have cautiously welcomed the development, stressing the importance of transparent governance and fair distribution of proceeds. “Communities must not only host mining operations but also share in the wealth generated,” one mining researcher said.

The government maintains that the policy will accelerate rural industrialisation, create jobs, and support infrastructure development in mining districts, ensuring that quarry and granite resources deliver long-term economic benefits to Zimbabweans.