Online Reporter
Online Reporter
A WOMEN in mining advocacy group has welcomed Government’s directive banning the export of raw minerals and compelling mining companies to beneficiate minerals locally, saying the policy has the potential to create jobs, drive industrialisation and ensure communities hosting mineral resources receive greater economic benefits from mining.
The Rural Young Women Support Network (RYWSN) said local value addition should be accompanied by increased investment in mining communities, arguing that beneficiation must translate into improved livelihoods, employment opportunities and infrastructure development in areas where minerals are extracted.
Following a recent visit to Mutoko, where black granite mining is one of the district’s major economic activities, the young women-led organisation called on mining companies to go beyond mineral extraction and invest meaningfully in host communities through roads, schools, health facilities, clean water and employment creation.
RYWSN director Ms Magret Chogugudza said Government’s beneficiation policy represented an important shift towards ensuring Zimbabwe derives maximum value from its mineral wealth while creating sustainable opportunities for young people and women.
“We commend the Government for directing mining companies to beneficiate minerals locally.
“Beneficiation is key to inclusive economic growth because it creates opportunities beyond extraction.
“Rural young women and youths stand to benefit from employment and enterprise opportunities that come with value addition.
“This is a progressive policy that will create jobs, promote industrialisation and ensure communities derive greater value from the resources found in their areas,” she said.
Ms Chogugudza said while mining had contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s economy, many resource-rich communities continued to endure poor roads, inadequate health facilities, limited access to clean water and high unemployment despite hosting lucrative mining operations.
She said the organisation was advocating responsible mining practices that leave a lasting developmental legacy in communities.
“As RYWSN, we are calling on investors to develop the communities where they operate.
“Mining companies should not leave behind degraded land and impoverished communities after extracting valuable minerals.
“They have a responsibility to contribute towards roads, schools, health facilities, clean water and other social amenities,” she said.
Ms Chogugudza said local communities should also be prioritised for employment and procurement opportunities to ensure they participate meaningfully in the mining value chain.
“The Government’s vision of leaving no place and no one behind can only be realised when communities hosting natural resources become active beneficiaries of mining investments.
“Local people, particularly women and young people, should be employed and empowered to participate meaningfully in the mining value chain,” she said.
RYWSN is implementing a governance and social accountability project in Chikomba, Mutoko, Marange, Penhalonga and Wedza districts, where it has established a network of 50 Social Accountability Monitors to strengthen community participation in governance, transparency and local development processes.
