Zimbabwe has a rich and diverse minerals resource base that could be (and should be) an important contributor to sustainable growth and development. The sector has rebounded dramatically from the hyperinflation economic crisis (2006-8) and with dollarisation (2009) the value of mineral production has increased six-fold to about $3 billion in 2011. However, if this increased mining activity is to ultimately result in more than just holes-in-the-ground, the crucial mineral linkages need to be realised whilst the resources are still extant. In order to optimise the economic linkages the current colonial minerals governance regime (free mining) needs to be fundamentally overhauled to both encourage the discovery of new mineral deposits and to maximise the developmental impact of known mineral assets through public tender against developmental outcomes. In this regard a Mineral Cadastre Information Management System (MCIMS) needs to be established as soon as possible.