Model Mining law introduced in Zimbabwe

Judith Phiri, Business Reporter 

THE International Alliance on Natural Resources in Africa (IANRA) through its partners in Zimbabwe has introduced the Model Law on Mining in Community Land in Africa, designed to protect communities and human rights in relation to mining operations.

IANRA, a network of non-governmental and community-based organisations, collectively striving for more just and sustainable use of natural resources in Africa is using the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as a reference point.  

Speaking to stakeholders at the recently ended Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) 2022 in Bulawayo, IANRA coordinator Dr Wole Olayeye said the model law was developed through research and consultations with communities in five countries. 

“The model law, developed between 2013 and 2016 through research and consultations with communities in Zimbabwe, South Africa, DRC, Kenya, and Angola is designed to protect communities and human rights in relation to mining operations, using the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as a reference point. The main goal of the introduction is to familiarise community members, CSOs, policymakers, and the media with the model law as a tool for formulation and implementation of policies that enable sustainable socio-economic development hinged on natural resource exploitation,” said Dr Olayeye. 

He said the model law provided guidance on issues related to principles and fundamental rights, community decision making, impact assessment, free prior and informed consent, compensation and relocation and taxation regulations. 

Among other key issues, Dr Olayeye said were artisanal mining regulations, general standards for sustainable mining, local grievance and dispute resolution mechanisms that were also raised during the ZAMI 2022. 

 “Since its development, the model law has been instrumental in the process of developing progressive mining legislation across the African region. Its popularisation and application in Zimbabwe will therefore go a long way in empowering communities and influencing progress to achieve this year’s theme of the mining indaba: A just energy transition for sustainable communities in a climate crisis era!” 

Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development chairperson Hon  Edmond Mkaratigwa said the policy was well articulated. 

“It is well-articulated and a necessity in terms of making our task easier as law makers especially at this particular time. It would not have come at a better time as you know we have been seized with the crafting of the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill,” said  Mkaratigwa. 

He said as a committee their task was to engage communities across all divide and throughout the country to ensure their challenges are noted and policies developed to solve the issues. The 11th edition of ZAMI 2022 was held from 4 to 9 September and was convened by the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), in conjunction with Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) and Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC).  The ZAMI is a multi- stakeholder platform created to facilitate engagements between mining host communities, the Government and industry.