Vusumuzi Dube
Business Writer
Energy transition and responsible mining come under the spotlight this week during the 13th edition of the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) 2024 in Bulawayo.
The annual event is organised by the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), and the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA).
According to the concept note, ZAMI is held under the theme “Energy Transition Minerals: Putting Communities First for Community Development.”
“This event aims to transform structural inequalities in Africa’s extractive industries. The event will gather stakeholders from mining communities, government representatives, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s), among many others to deliberate on mining-related issues in Zimbabwe, focusing on energy transition minerals and their impact on marginalized communities,” reads part of the concept note.
The event takes place amid a global shift towards a Net-Zero Economy driven by the Paris Agreement.
“Achieving net-zero goals by 2050 will require a vast supply of critical minerals- copper, nickel, lithium, and cobalt—used in renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and electric vehicles. Zimbabwe, a key player in the global lithium market, holds the largest lithium reserves in Africa and has attracted over US$1 billion in investments for lithium mining.
“In 2022, the country ranked as the world’s sixth-largest lithium producer, with the potential to meet up to 20 percent of global lithium demand in the future. Discussions during ZAMI 2024 will be shaped by these developments, focusing on how Zimbabwe can utilise its rich mineral endowment to drive sustainable development.”
The indaba also comes amid ongoing legal reforms in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, including amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act, Environmental Management Act, and the introduction of a Climate Change Bill.
It notes that the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a global necessity and Zimbabwe is uniquely positioned to contribute with its vast reserves of critical minerals.
On responsible mining, government has launched a Responsible Mining Audit to ensure mining operations comply with national laws, focusing on preventing environmental damage and human rights abuses.
“While gaps still exist, this initiative is a step toward ensuring sustainable mining practices. Investors also have a role to play in supporting a just transition through inclusive economic strategies.”
“The goal of the Indaba is to promote responsible mining practices that take the needs of local communities into account. The event will provide a space for dialogue between the government, mining companies and community representatives to ensure that everyone has a voice in how resources are used. “By bringing together different stakeholders, ZAMI 2024 aims to make sure that mining contributes to Zimbabwe’s development, rather than causing harm.”
Expected outcomes from the event include practical recommendations for improving the transparency and accountability of the mining sector. The Indaba will also propose ways to ensure that local communities benefit from mining activities.
A key focus will be on creating policies that address the specific needs of women and youth so that they are not left behind in the country’s development.
Online Reporter