ZMF Creates ASM Tailor-Made ESG Strategy
In an endeavour to achieve sustainable and responsible mining within the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has created an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy tailor-made for the country’s ASM industry.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the ZMF AGM and Conference held at the Hippodrome in Braeside, Harare on Friday, which ran under the theme “Sustainable Mining: A Catalyst Towards National Development,” ZMF President Ms Henrietta Rushwaya stated that her organization has heeded the government’s call and international standards to prioritize responsible mining. This measure respects human rights, delivers safe conditions for personnel and communities, and minimizes environmental impacts.
“The government of Zimbabwe early last year, through President H.E. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, initiated the Responsible Mining Audit to promote responsible and compliant mining activities in the country. This measure ensures that mining activities are carried out responsibly and per international and the country’s legal framework.
“There is a need for precautionary measures to ensure the safety of miners and the preservation of the environment,” Rushwaya said.
The ZMF president noted the government’s endeavour to achieve 40 tonnes of gold deliveries to the Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) and urged the ASM sector to prioritize responsible mining practices.
“As small-scale miners, we need to take precautionary measures at our sites, ensure that our shafts are collared and covered, and encourage proper drainage systems to capture flowing water,” she said.
Rushwaya emphasized that in adhering to responsible mining, the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) will employ a multidisciplinary approach. This includes integrating disciplines in planning, operating, resource marketing/selling, and closing mines following international best practices.
“To achieve the responsible mining pledge, the ASM in Zimbabwe will have an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy tailor-made for the country’s ASM sector,” she said.
According to Rushwaya, the ZMF believes in environmental safety. Therefore, issues such as decarbonization, water stewardship, climate action, energy efficiency, and human dignity in the mining industry will be prioritized.
“While the issue of decarbonization is rarely a result of ASM operations, we believe that the use of solar energy in ASM operations will significantly impact the decarbonization agenda.
“The management of water also poses several growing risks for the stability of mining. We believe that using less water, recycling as much as possible, and ensuring water is uncontaminated will safeguard the environment from water-related challenges caused by scarcity and contamination,” Rushwaya said.
ZMF believes that responsible mining leads to responsible sourcing. As a result, ZMF will ensure that minerals are sourced responsibly, considering the impact of mining and its extensive value chain—from the environmental impact and carbon footprint to social and human rights issues.
Responsible sourcing is already high on the European Union (EU) agenda. Its RE-SOURCING project, funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, is developing roadmaps for critical sectors and contributing to future policies.
Responsible Mining Audit in Zimbabwe
Between May and June last year, the government of Zimbabwe conducted a Responsible Mining Audit to establish if mining companies were complying with requirements relating to submitting production returns as required by law.
“Finally, we thank the government for establishing a framework that fosters responsible mining practices while guaranteeing the well-being of the communities and environments where mining activities are taking place,” Rushwaya concluded.