Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
Government says the National Development Strategy (NDS 2) will usher in tougher environmental regulations across the mining sector as part of efforts to align national development with climate adaptation and the country’s green growth agenda.
According to the policy framework, mining operations will only continue under enhanced environmental oversight designed to curb land degradation, ensure responsible extraction and promote long-term ecological restoration.
“To align with Zimbabwe’s climate adaptation and green growth agenda, NDS 2 will enforce environmental safeguards across all mining activities. Environmental impact assessments, environmental management plans and mine closure obligations will be strictly applied. In this regard, Government will implement a Responsible Mining Initiative, enforcing zero tolerance for environmental degradation and ensuring sustainable mining practices across the sector,” reads part of the NDS 2 document.
A major element of the new regime will be strengthening the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), which will be equipped with advanced digital monitoring tools to enforce compliance in real time.
“The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) will be strengthened with digital monitoring systems such as GIS and remote sensing to track compliance and rehabilitation. Environmental bonds and restoration funds will ensure post-mining recovery of ecosystems,” the framework states.
Mining companies will also be expected to transition to cleaner, climate-friendly production technologies.
“Mining operations will transition towards cleaner production through renewable energy use, water recycling and waste reduction, enhancing climate resilience and supporting low-carbon industrialisation.”
To curb ongoing environmental degradation, Government will intensify enforcement of existing laws, including the Environmental Management Act, Mines and Minerals Act and various local authority by-laws.
“To address ongoing environmental degradation in mining and surrounding areas, NDS 2 will strengthen regulatory oversight through strict enforcement of relevant provisions under the Environmental Management Act, the Mines and Minerals Act and Local Government legislation, among other statutes, regulations and by-laws. Government will promote rehabilitation of degraded mining sites, through local communities’ involvement by way of restoration programme incentives. Furthermore, Government will enforce the reclamation of abandoned mining sites through appropriate legislative provisions.”
Authorities will also adopt a firm stance against illegal and environmentally harmful mining activities.
“The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and local authorities will be required to strictly monitor all mining operations and institute relevant corrective measures without any exception. This will also involve the strict enforcement of the prohibition of mining operations in riverbeds, national parks, sacred places and the vicinity of key infrastructure establishments.”
Under NDS 2, community participation will be strengthened in environmental governance, particularly during project approvals.
“During NDS 2, community-based participation in environmental governance will be strengthened by ensuring proposed mining operations undergo transparent Environmental Impact Assessments that fully consult communities.”
The measures signal Government’s determination to ensure Zimbabwe’s mining-driven growth remains sustainable, climate-resilient and environmentally responsible.
