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The Deputy Director of the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO), Shamiso Mtisi, has said investment and sustainable development in the mining sector are inseparable “twins” that must work together for the benefit of the economy, communities, and the environment, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI), Mtisi said while mining companies often showcase their corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects like building schools, it is crucial to create platforms for communities to voice their concerns over environmental degradation and pollution.
“Definitely, mining companies will be able to share their corporate social responsibility activities and programmes. But at the same time, communities will also share some of their experiences when it comes to some of the areas where there is need to improve,” Mtisi said.
“When it comes to environmental degradation, pollution of rivers and also issues to do with how mining companies can plough back into the communities… that’s quite important. So those discussions will definitely help us in shaping different policies and laws in the country.”
He revealed that ZELO has been working closely with the Ministry of Mines to refine the long-awaited Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill. The ZAMI platform, he said, is designed to help investors understand the expectations of communities for responsible investment.
“Zimbabwe is definitely in need of responsible investments and there is need for all stakeholders to advance responsible investments discussions in the country,” Mtisi stated, endorsing the government’s “Zimbabwe is open for business” mantra while stressing the need for sustainability.
Addressing the link between profitability and responsibility, Mtisi argued that they are not mutually exclusive.
“If you mine sustainably, you are likely to also generate good profits, you will also be improving the lives of people, you will also be protecting the environment as a miner. So I take investments, sustainable development as twins, things that move together,” he said.
With many new businesses entering the country, Mtisi emphasised the urgency of encouraging responsible and sustainable practices in the mining sector.
On the perennial issue of illegal mining, Mtisi called for a nuanced approach, suggesting a move towards formalisation. He proposed categorising artisanal miners and providing them with the necessary support to operate within the law.
“For us as an organisation, formalisation of artisanal mining is very, very key… through categorising different levels of payments or certificates that can be given to individuals or cooperatives,” he said.
“Then the other thing is to provide the artisanal miners or small-scale miners with equipment, finance, and other supportive infrastructure… For us, we believe that it’s important for our people to mine, and mine responsibly, whether as individuals, as cooperatives, but also generating income and creating jobs for themselves. That’s quite important, but it has all to be done responsibly.”
