Shape up or ship out: Minister Chitando warns miners

Trust Freddy and Mutsawashe Mashandure

MINERS must follow environmentally responsible mining practices, as laid down in law, and failure to adopt sustainable mining practices will result in the immediate revocation of their mining titles, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando said yesterday.

Addressing miners during the Zimbabwe Miners Federation’s annual conference in Harare, Minister Chitando said mining practices must adhere to the laws of the country.

“Mining being an extractive industry should be done respectably and responsibly,” Minister Chitando said.

“President Mnangagwa launched the responsible mining initiative that all mining should be done responsibly and adhering to the laws and statutes of the country. These laws go beyond the Mines and Mineral Act which is the principal law when it comes to mining.

“Those who are caught will lose all their mining titles. I urge the authorities to review and ensure that all procedures are followed correctly. There is a need for continuous enforcement and monitoring across all provinces.”

The Government’s intensified crackdown on irresponsible mining seeks to safeguard the environment and promote sustainable development.

Minister Chitando also acknowledged the contribution of small scale miners saying they continued to contribute a huge chunk of Zimbabwe’s gold production.

“The Zimbabwe Miners Federation is an important player in the mining industry, anchoring the vision of His Excellency, President Mnangagwa,” Minister Chitando said.

“The artisanal and small-scale miners contribute over 50 percent of the gold production and are also crucial in the production of other minerals, including, but not limited to, gemstones.”

ZMF president Ms Henrietta Rushwaya pledged to continue promoting sustainable mining practices.

“As ZMF, we have heeded the government’s call and international standards to prioritise responsible mining as a measure to respect human rights, deliver safe conditions for personnel and communities, and minimise environmental impacts.

“As small-scale miners, we need to take precautionary measures at our sites, and we must ensure that our shafts are properly collared and covered. We should also encourage our miners to create proper drainage that capture flowing water.'”