The Zimbabwean government has been criticised over its lack of progress in helping the indigenous population benefit from mining activity in the country.

According to the Financial Gazette, the amended Mines and Mineral Act bill, which would force foreign investors to give at least 40 per cent of their shareholding to local peoples, is sitting in the Attorney-General's office awaiting approval.

Acting secretary in the Mines and Mining Development Ministry, Harry Nyamayaro, explained that although the bill was passed through Parliament last year, it had failed to emerge from the Attorney-General's office.

The amended bill is meant to be the fulcrum of the government's economic empowerment policy for the mining sector by supporting small-scale local miners.

'The draft which is still embargoed should have been considered by Parliament last year. That was our target time but surprisingly things are moving at a snail's pace,' Mr Nyamayaro said.

'We are running behind schedule for a piece of law which is so important.'

Ahead of the legislation, Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats), one of the largest mining firms in Zimbabwe, has given 13 per cent of its shareholding to indigenous populations, while Angloplat, has announced plans to give a 15 per cent shareholding to locals.

However, an industry insider quoted by the Financial Gazette was not impressed given the amended bill would give local peoples a 40 per cent shareholding.

'The government has failed to deliberately come up with a policy which discriminates in favour of indigenous investors but has continued to encourage new foreign mining investment and providing them with special fiscal and policy regimes,' he asserted.