Zimbabwe will introduce a higher sliding-scale royalty system for gold producers as the government seeks to capture more value from the ongoing surge in global bullion prices, the Finance Ministry announced during the presentation of the 2026 national budget. The move reflects efforts to strengthen public finances at a time when gold remains the country’s most important export earner, according to coverage by Ecofin Agency.
Under the revised structure, miners will pay 3 percent when gold prices are up to 1,200 dollars per ounce, 5 percent when prices sit between 1,201 and 2,500 dollars, and 10 percent once prices exceed 2,501 dollars. Reports by News 24 highlight that the top tier already applies, with international prices staying well above the upper threshold in recent months.
The government said the new system is intended to create a fairer, more consistent royalty regime across the sector and ensure that the state benefits proportionately during commodity booms. Miningmx noted that while the policy is expected to boost national revenue, some analysts caution that a 10 percent rate may place pressure on margins for producers operating with higher costs.
The adjustment comes as Zimbabwe prepares to expand government spending by roughly a quarter in 2026, a shift Bloomberg reported is aimed at stabilizing the economy and increasing foreign exchange inflows.
