Zimbabwe has imposed a strict ban on mining and blasting at cultural heritage sites, with government warning that such activities threaten the country's cultural identity and risk irreversible damage to historic landmarks.
Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ambassador Raphael Faranisi delivered the warning before a joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the Thematic Committee on Culture and Heritage at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
"You cannot mine there. You cannot do blasting when there are tunnels close by because they will collapse."
For context on Zimbabwe's mining sector, see Namibia's position in global critical minerals. For more on mineral export revenue, see why fiscal discipline matters for ZiG stability.
What the ban covers
The prohibition applies to all mining activities at sites designated as cultural heritage, with particular emphasis on blasting operations near tunnels that could cause structural collapse. Faranisi stressed the need for a stronger public awareness campaign so communities understand what constitutes a heritage threat.
"We have to embark on a publicity campaign more than we have done," he said, calling on local communities, MPs, and traditional leaders to play an active role in protecting heritage sites.
Warning to foreign investors
The government singled out foreign actors linked to activities endangering heritage sites, arguing that such practices would not be tolerated in the investors' home countries. The message is part of a broader tightening of oversight across Zimbabwe's mining sector, which has seen increasing government scrutiny of both foreign and local operators.
The heritage sites ban comes alongside other regulatory moves, including the reservation of small-scale gold mining for Zimbabwean citizens and locally owned companies, announced by Mines Minister Polite Kambamura with a January 2027 deadline for foreign operators to transition to large-scale status.
Reporting and enforcement
Citizens have been urged to report any suspected destruction of heritage sites to the police. Law enforcement agencies and the ministry have been directed to investigate and act against offenders.
What this means
The ban reflects a growing tension between Zimbabwe's mining boom and the preservation of cultural heritage. With gold and mineral production at elevated levels, pressure on land use around heritage sites is likely to intensify.
For the mining sector, the ban introduces a new layer of regulatory risk. Companies operating near or on heritage-designated land will need to reassess their positions. For foreign investors, the message is even sharper.
