Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
MINERS and investors who do not prioritise responsible mining practices or comply with their Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which require them to adhere to environmental and social governance standards are at a risk of losing their mining licences.
Speaking at the official opening of Annual Mining Conference held in Victoria Falls on Friday, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando reiterated the Government’s commitment to sustainable mining practices stressing that operations must strictly follow approved EIAs to mitigate environmental damage.
“This Annual Mining Conference is being held under the theme, Unlocking Growth Potential for the Zimbabwe Mining Industry, but I would have added to the theme that in a responsible manner. This is because there is a lot of mining that is taking place in a very irresponsible manner. It is time it must stop and stop now.
“The mining industry is very huge, we have investors, we also have treasury but above all, we also have the communities and the environment. The environment and the community should be happy that mining is taking place, not sad. The moment they are sad, there is something wrong and this year we must sort it out once and for all,” said Minister Chitando.
Zimbabwe’s mining sector, contributing over 60 percent of export earnings and 70 percent of foreign currency inflows, remains a cornerstone of economic development. However, Minister Chitando cautioned that growth must not undermine environmental and social welfare.
He said the Zimbabwe mining industry is one of the best because it has a President who is very supportive of the sector, the geology, a very good skills base which is as good as one can get around the world and functional systems which support the industry.
“We have the laws that support the growth of the industry. Although there are times investors disregard some of these rules we are there to tell each other the truth. The launch of the Responsible Mining Initiative 1 by the President was a clarion call for us to mine in a responsible manner.
“We should follow the law and not mine without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). When you have the EIA you then mine in accordance with what you have said in the EIA. You visit today some of the areas and it is a sorry sight, with very irresponsible mining. If you visit some areas where there is coal mining, some of the public roads are no longer there,” said Minister Chitando.
The minister warned non-compliant miners, saying the Government will not hesitate to act against those who flout regulations.
He said mining licences are a privilege, not a right and they will be withdrawn if laws are violated.
“President Mnangagwa will this year be launching the Responsible Mining Initiative 2, which will contain a menu of initiatives to try and address some of the irresponsible mining taking place.
“Our laws are very clear, the transport sector is a very important sector for locals, but we have seen some foreign investors without due authorisation mine and destroy or threaten transport networks. We have reached a level when if you violate the environmental laws or your EIA, you will lose your mining titles,” said Minister Chitando.
He further called for stronger partnerships between miners, communities and regulators to foster transparency and shared benefits.
Londile Moyo