As the world grapples with the intensifying climate crisis, nations are urgently seeking solutions to curb global warming and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Among these solutions is the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, which hinges on the availability of critical minerals required for technologies like wind turbines, electric vehicle batteries, and solar panels. For Zimbabwe, this presents a significant opportunity to leverage its rich mineral resources to not only contribute to the global energy transition but also spur economic growth, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at a recent Strategic Dialogue on Mineral Governance, organized by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) and ActionAid Zimbabwe, ZELA’s Obert Bore delivered a compelling presentation on the crucial role Zimbabwe can play in this global shift. He began by addressing the pressing realities of the climate crisis. “The window to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is closing fast,” Bore said, emphasizing that the year 2024 had already seen the three hottest days in recorded history.
According to Bore, as countries strive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the demand for critical energy transition minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper is projected to skyrocket.
Bore cited data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which estimates that global demand for these minerals will triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040. For resource-rich nations like Zimbabwe, this demand surge presents an unparalleled economic opportunity, particularly given the country’s vast reserves of lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries.
However, Bore was quick to point out that this transition also comes with significant challenges. These include social, environmental, and cultural impacts, which must be carefully managed to avoid negative consequences for local communities and ecosystems.
“Increased global demand for minerals has significant potential to advance social and economic progress. However, if not managed responsibly, it could trigger or exacerbate human rights violations, conflicts, and environmental degradation,” Bore warned.
According to Bore, a key focus of the strategic dialogue is ensuring that the transition to renewable energy is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially just.
Bore outlined the need for Zimbabwe to adopt a just and equitable transition framework, where local communities and nations that possess these minerals fully benefit from their exploitation. This involves promoting local value addition and ensuring that mineral wealth translates into tangible economic benefits for Zimbabwean citizens.
“Countries and local communities endowed with these minerals must fully benefit economically, including through local value addition, while safeguarding social and environmental protections for affected communities and ecosystems,” Bore said.
He called for the development of a set of common, voluntary principles that would guide this transition and ensure that the economic gains from critical minerals are equitably distributed.
One of the key objectives outlined in Bore’s presentation was fostering local value addition and economic diversification. He said by processing minerals locally and creating downstream industries, Zimbabwe could move away from simply exporting raw materials and instead build a robust industrial base that would create jobs, stimulate innovation, and generate long-term economic growth.
“Local mineral processing and value addition are critical to fostering economic development and reducing reliance on external markets,” Bore said.
The need to protect the environment and human rights throughout the mineral value chain was another prominent theme in Bore’s presentation. He emphasized that mineral extraction must be conducted responsibly, with strict adherence to environmental standards and human rights protections. This includes ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for miners, obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of local communities, and upholding gender equity within the mining sector.
Bore also highlighted the risks that increased mineral demand could pose to biodiversity and ecosystems, particularly in regions that are rich in natural resources but vulnerable to environmental degradation.
“Pollution and waste in all its forms should be avoided, reduced, or remediated in accordance with the polluter-pays principle,” he stated.
He called for stronger regulatory frameworks to ensure that mining activities do not harm local ecosystems or exacerbate the effects of climate change.
As part of the global effort to manage the energy transition responsibly, Bore advocated for strengthened international cooperation and governance of mineral value chains. He noted that Zimbabwe’s engagement in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations Secretary-General Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals provides a valuable opportunity for the country to contribute to the development of international norms and standards for responsible mining.
Furthermore, Bore stressed the importance of transparent and accountable governance in the management of mineral resources.
“Access to information on environmental and social impacts, production data, and revenue streams is essential to ensure good governance and prevent corruption in the mining sector,” he said.
Transparency in tax systems and benefit-sharing mechanisms would ensure that mineral wealth is used for the public good and contributes to sustainable development.
In closing, Bore emphasized that Zimbabwe is at a critical juncture. The global shift to renewable energy presents both opportunities and challenges, but with the right policies and governance frameworks in place, Zimbabwe can position itself as a leader in the production and processing of critical minerals. By adopting responsible mining practices, promoting local value addition, and ensuring that communities benefit from the country’s vast mineral wealth, Zimbabwe can play a key role in the global energy transition while achieving sustainable development at home.
As the world moves towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, Zimbabwe stands to gain—if it can harness its resources responsibly and equitably.
“The urgency of the energy transition cannot justify irresponsible practices. It is vital that we balance economic opportunity with environmental and social responsibility to ensure a just transition for all,” Bore said.
