TERMS OF REFERENCE - Consultancy for the Development of Model Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Regulations in Zimbabwe
Consultancy, Research Jobs
Job Description
Assignment Duration: 25 days
Deadline for Applications: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Background and Context
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) is a critical livelihood and economic activity in Zimbabwe, supporting millions of people, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. The sector contributes to mineral production, employment creation, and poverty alleviation, yet remains largely characterised by unsafe mining practices, environmental degradation, low productivity, informality, weak institutional support, and limited participation of women and vulnerable groups.
Despite its importance, ASM operators face persistent barriers to formalisation, including limited access to finance, appropriate technology, geological information, compliant markets, and technical extension services. These challenges are compounded by policy inconsistencies, weak inter-institutional coordination, and the absence of a dedicated, coherent, and enforceable regulatory framework tailored to the realities of ASM. Zimbabwe has been in the process of developing an ASM Policy, although still in draft form. Artisanal mining has not been legislated as a special sector of mining. However, in the absence of legislation that specifically recognise artisanal mining, some large scale companies are now formalising Artisanal mining through either tribute agreements, cooperatives or toll processing arrangements or other forms of partnerships, especially in the gold, lithium and chrome mining sector.
The Government of Zimbabwe is currently undertaking mining sector reforms through the proposed Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill (2025), which seeks to modernise mining governance and improve sector sustainability. Debate is ragging with demands by ASM miners calling for full recognition of artisanal mining in the Bill. The effectiveness of these reforms will also depend on the development of specific ASM regulations that operationalise the law and align with national development priorities, regional commitments, and international best practice.
Zimbabwe needs ASM regulations that recognise ASM as a legitimate sub-sector, address social, environmental and economic challenges across the entire mineral value chain, and promote a transition from informality to responsible, productive, and inclusive mining.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy is to develop comprehensive Model Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Regulations for Zimbabwe that provide a clear and practical framework and procedures to support the formalisation, regulation, and sustainable development of the ASM sector.
Objectives of the Assignment
The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:
1. Address regulatory gaps, policy inconsistencies, and institutional weaknesses affecting ASM governance.
2. Set out procedural requirements for guiding the operations of ASMers in Zimbabwe
3. Promote safe, responsible, and economically viable ASM operations.
4. Strengthen ASM compliance with national, regional, and international responsible mining and ESG standards.
5. Facilitate improved access to finance, technology, markets, and value addition opportunities for ASM operators.
6. Align Zimbabwe’s ASM regulatory framework with the proposed Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill (2025), Africa Mining Vision, and relevant international conventions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of Work
The consultant(s) shall undertake the following tasks:
1. Undertake inclusive stakeholder consultations with government, ASM operators (with emphasis on women and youth), communities, civil society, and private sector actors.
2. Draft comprehensive Model ASM regulations aligned with good practice, covering licensing, sector formalisation, environmental and safety standards, gender and social inclusion, access to finance and markets, and fiscal arrangements.
3. Define clear institutional roles, coordination mechanisms, and decentralised enforcement and grievance systems for effective implementation.
4. Validate the model regulations through a national stakeholder workshop and finalise them with an accompanying explanatory memorandum.
Deliverables
1. Draft model Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Regulations.
2. Stakeholder Validation Workshop Report.
3. Final model ASM Regulations and Explanatory Memorandum.
Duration of the Assignment
The consultancy is expected to be completed within 25 days from the date of contract signing.
Qualifications and Experience
Required Qualifications and Experience
The consultant(s) should have:
1. An a degree in law
2. Demonstrated experience in drafting mining laws, regulations, or policies, particularly on ASM.
3. Strong knowledge of the regional frameworks and international ASM standards.
4. Proven experience in multi-stakeholder consultations and participatory policy development.
How to Apply
Application Process
Interested consultants (individuals or as teams) must submit the following by Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
• 1-2 pager expression of interest outlining understanding of the assignment, methodology, financial proposal and work plan
• CVs or Company profile
• Portfolio of similar work
Applications must be sent to: procurementzw@gmail.com with the subject line: Development of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Regulations Consultancy.
