Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have become central to modern mining. Today, mining companies are expected not only to deliver financial returns but also to demonstrate responsibility toward the environment, communities and governance, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
In Zimbabwe, this shift is reshaping the way the industry approaches sustainability, compliance, and long-term value creation, making ESG a critical component of business strategy.
In this evolving landscape, academia is emerging as a key enabler. Edwin Gwaze, Principal of the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM), in a panel discussion, explained that educational institutions act as neutral facilitators, connecting mining companies, regulators, government, and communities.
Through fostering a shared understanding of ESG policies and legal frameworks, academia ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and able to work collaboratively toward sustainable outcomes.
Building on this coordinating role, Gwaze emphasised that it is critical for academia to receive financial support.
“Funding for ESG-focused training, alignment of curricula with global standards, and awareness programs for small-scale miners are all essential to strengthening the sector’s capacity. We also emphasise the importance of gender sensitivity and deliberate policy development to ensure that ESG practices are inclusive and comprehensive,” he said.
To ensure these principles are applied with rigour, ZSM has pursued ISO 9001 certification for its management system and is working toward ISO 17025 for its analytical laboratories.
These certifications reinforce the institution’s commitment to high standards in both education and practical application, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet the demands of a responsible mining industry.
“As we train the next generation of mining professionals,” Gwaze concluded, “our goal is to ensure they understand ESG and can apply it in practice. Academia is a neutral platform that can link industry, regulators, and communities while creating knowledge and innovation for sustainable mining.”
The practical dimension of academia’s role is equally important. ESG principles are embedded across ZSM’s programs, including responsible mining and occupational health and safety.
A particularly impactful initiative is the experimental model mine at ZSM, designed to give students hands-on experience in implementing ESG and responsible mining practices. This approach bridges theory and practice, ensuring graduates are equipped to apply ESG standards effectively once they enter the industry.
Through research, education, and dialogue, academia is proving to be a critical driver of ESG in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
By equipping future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to embed sustainable practices, educational institutions can shape a responsible, innovative, and globally competitive mining industry.
