Media challenged to learn about global mining trends

Nqobile Bhebhe in Kadoma

THE media plays a critical role in promoting responsible mining practices in communities by highlighting the impacts of mining companies on the economy, environment and people.

Speaking during a media training workshop on responsible mining in Kadoma, Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (Zela) Environmental Social Governance (ESG) specialist, Dr David Mupamhadzi, said for the media to effectively hold mining companies to account, it is important for journalists to be well versed with mining trends locally and globally.

“Being knowledgeable with current trends calls for reading. Journalists cannot afford to be on the side lines but must be well read and interact with key personnel in mining houses,” he said.

Dr Mupamhadzi stressed the need for journalists to develop positive working synergies that promote trust.
“Journalists should cultivate positive relationships with mining firms because through trust, companies will freely reveal information.

“But journalists should not be seen as whistle-blowers by companies as that rides trust. Also in the same vein, that positive relationship should be cultivated with communities in which companies operate,” he said in his presentation on “Reporting on responsible mining through Global Reporting Initiative in the Zimbabwe context”.

With a good working tripartite arrangement, the media will assist mining firms to secure new markets for their products, said Dr Mupamhadzi. Communities will also be enlightened about their rights.

“Global firms now source products from companies that follow set standards and through responsible reporting by the media, firms can secure contracts,” he added.

The training engagement is being attended by journalists drawn from several media houses. Some of the objectives of the training workshop are to provide journalists with information about reporting on responsible mining standards and update the media on responsible mining practices, including environmental protection, community engagement and health and safety measures.

The training also seeks to identify gaps and areas for future collaboration with journalists to promote responsible mining in Zimbabwe.