Achieving Mining Targets: At What Cost to the Environment?
As Zimbabwe strives to meet its ambitious mining targets, concerns are growing over the environmental toll of these activities, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Phanuel Mangisi, Manager of Environmental Impact Assessments and Ecosystem Protection at the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), underscored the importance of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability during his address at the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) 2024.
Mangisi began by acknowledging the critical role mining plays in Zimbabwe’s economy but called for a measured approach to its environmental impact.
“We have set ambitious goals, but we must ask ourselves: at what cost to the environment?” he questioned, noting that while mining is crucial to national economic targets, including the $12 billion mining economy goal, its environmental consequences cannot be ignored.
Mangisi identified several environmental challenges facing Zimbabwe as it seeks to expand its mining sector. Communities around mining sites have expressed concerns, particularly about dust pollution, water scarcity, and land degradation from unregulated or poorly managed operations.
“It’s disheartening to hear communities complaining of dust, competition for water, and other environmental concerns. These are real issues affecting people’s daily lives,” Mangisi said.
He emphasized that mining should consider not only economic output but also the effects on surrounding ecosystems and communities.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution, in Section 73, guarantees environmental rights, yet these rights are often overlooked or violated during mining activities.
Mangisi posed a question that resonates with many affected by the industry: “As mining companies operate, are they not infringing on the rights of the surrounding people?”
Another critical issue Mangisi raised was the absence of binding commitments on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for mining companies. Currently, CSR is often voluntary, making enforcement difficult.
“CSR is a topical issue. Chiefs, councillors, and communities have all voiced concerns, but the existing legislative framework doesn’t adequately address it. That’s why companies often say it’s voluntary. As long as it’s voluntary, enforcing these commitments is challenging,” he noted.
In mining areas, companies frequently make promises to communities—often related to infrastructure like roads or schools—but Mangisi highlighted that these commitments are not formalized in Zimbabwe’s environmental laws, leaving communities vulnerable when promises go unfulfilled once operations begin.
Mangisi also discussed compensation and relocation for communities displaced or impacted by mining. He pointed out that the process is often fragmented and inconsistent, involving multiple institutions, including the Ministry of Local Government and rural district councils.
“The current scenario is problematic. Whenever there is a rush for minerals, protocols are not followed, and communities bear the brunt of these failures.” Mangisi called for a cohesive framework to outline clear responsibilities for compensation and relocation, ensuring these processes are conducted fairly and efficiently.
A major challenge in enforcing environmental protection in mining is the inadequate penalties for non-compliance. While Zimbabwe has an Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27) and various environmental regulations, Mangisi noted that penalties are often insufficient to deter illegal or harmful practices.
“Are we enforcing non-compliance? Do we have penalties for mining companies that violate environmental regulations?” he asked. While laws exist, their implementation and enforcement need strengthening, as non-compliance frequently goes unpunished or results in minimal penalties, allowing harmful activities to continue unchecked.
Mangisi advocated for amending existing environmental laws to address gaps in the current legislative framework.
“We need to amend our laws or create new statutory instruments to address these gaps,” he said. He urged communities, legislators, and civil society to actively participate in the legislative process to ensure their concerns are reflected in future laws.
Zimbabwe’s Mines and Minerals Act and the Environmental Management Act are currently undergoing amendments, a process Mangisi hopes will lead to stronger environmental protections.
“The idea behind these amendments is to capture the views and concerns that have emerged from our experiences over the years,” he explained.
Mangisi also emphasized the importance of public participation in legislative processes.
“Whenever there are consultations about legislation in your areas, please participate,” he urged communities, legislators, and stakeholders. “Your voices are essential in shaping laws that protect the environment.”
In closing, Mangisi reiterated that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.
“Everyone is responsible for the environment we live in. Whether at our homes, farms, mines, or as we travel, if we don’t care for the environment, no one else will,” he stated.
He stressed that sustainable mining practices must be embraced by all stakeholders, including civil society, government institutions, traditional leaders, and communities.
“For the current and future generations, we must ensure our environment is protected,” he concluded.
By addressing issues like CSR, compensation, enforcement, and legislative reform, Zimbabwe can develop its mining sector while preserving its environment for future generations. As Mangisi put it, “Economic growth and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive, but achieving both requires collective effort, accountability, and robust legal frameworks.”