Abstract
This study explores the challenges of Zimbabwe's manual mining title system,highlighting issues such as corruption, tampering, and frequent disputes. Zimbabwe, with its vast ore reserves, faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from the manual administrative system leading to land title insecurity and double allocation of mining titles.
Using semi-structured interviews with miners, scholars, and government
officials, and NVivo for analysis, this research identifies vulnerabilities in the current system, especially its susceptibility to alterations causing disputes and affecting productivity. The study underscores a consensus: the current system is prone to manipulation, leading to title disputes that hinder operations and deter investors. This pervasive insecurity discourages investment and strains community relations. Blockchain technology emerges as a promising solution. Unlike traditional database systems, blockchain's decentralised nature ensures traceability and reduces the chances of tampering. Its transparency provides stakeholders clear visibility into title allocations, potentially reducing disputes. However, the success of blockchain integration hinges on a supportive regulatory and governance framework. Interviews reveal gaps in awareness, understanding, and the current regulatory landscape. To harness the mining sector's potential, Zimbabwe must address these system vulnerabilities and ensure a robust regulatory framework accompanies blockchain's introduction.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe's path forward requires embracing advanced
technology and reimagining the mining sector's administrative systems. With the
right measures, the nation can unlock its ore reserves' potential, driving economic growth and strengthening its global mining stance.
Date of Award | 26 Sept 2024 |
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Original language | English |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisor | Eustathios Sainidis (Supervisor) & Hamid Jahankhani (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- blockchain in mining
- land title digitisation
- mining administration reforms zimbabwe
- self-sovereign identity (SSI) in land management
- transparency in mining sector governance