CSOs, Govt Urged to Engage Chinese Investors, Research Compliance, Diversify Investments

Shamiso Mtisi

Zimbabwe’s civil society organizations (CSOs) and the government have been urged to actively engage with Chinese investors in the mining sector, research compliance standards, and support investment diversification to foster competition and raise industry standards, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) held in Bulawayo last week, the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) Deputy Director, Shamiso Mtisi, emphasized the importance of understanding both domestic and international regulatory frameworks that Chinese companies are bound by, particularly regarding environmental and social obligations.

Mtisi noted that Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe must adhere to global standards, including those set by China’s membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD’s guidelines on responsible sourcing of minerals from conflict-affected countries establish due diligence standards that Chinese companies are expected to follow.

Mtisi encouraged CSOs to leverage these standards to hold Chinese companies accountable and ensure that their operations align with international best practices.

“I think civil society groups should research what the Chinese are doing both internationally and domestically. The Chinese have developed a complaints-handling system, which they are piloting to address environmental governance issues and challenges they may pose to communities. All Chinese companies are required to comply with it,” said Mtisi.

He urged CSOs to engage with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s complaints-handling system to better understand its requirements and monitor whether Chinese companies in Zimbabwe adhere to these standards.

“By engaging with Chinese companies from an informed perspective, CSOs can point out when these companies are not complying with the standards set by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. This is a key action required from community monitors and NGOs in Zimbabwe,” he added.

Mtisi also highlighted that Chinese lithium mining companies operating in Zimbabwe have formed an association. He suggested that communities and CSOs engage with this association to ensure their concerns are addressed and to foster improved relations between mining companies and local stakeholders.

In addition to promoting engagement with Chinese companies, Mtisi called on the government to diversify investments in the mining sector to increase competition. This is particularly crucial for Zimbabwe’s growing lithium industry, which has garnered significant attention from foreign investors.

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“My understanding is that the Chinese lithium mining companies in Zimbabwe have formed an association. It would be beneficial for communities and groups to engage with that association to advance their interests and address the problems they face with these companies,” said Mtisi.

He encouraged the government to attract investors from countries such as the United States, the UK, and Australia.

“Diversifying investments means ensuring there is competition in the sector. Competition will raise the standards of how companies interact with communities, share revenues, and address environmental challenges. Every investor wants to present themselves positively,” he noted.

By diversifying investments and increasing competition, Zimbabwe can create a mining environment that adheres to higher environmental and social standards. Engaging with Chinese investors from an informed standpoint will enable civil society to effectively hold companies accountable and foster positive change in mining practices. Additionally, a competitive market will push all investors to maintain best practices, benefiting local communities and the country’s broader economy.

Mtisi’s call to action is clear: engage Chinese investors through research, monitor their compliance with international standards, and push for diversified investments to ensure a more responsible and sustainable mining sector in Zimbabwe.

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