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Zimbabwe has the opportunity to build a world-class Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework by integrating its domestic reporting efforts with global best practices, according to Gabriela Ferolla, Founder and CEO of Seall Intelligence, an international ESG consultancy, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at an ESG Reporting Workshop hosted by Seall Intelligence in partnership with local sustainability firm EnvironEdge Consultancy, Ferolla praised Zimbabwe’s steps toward establishing ESG as a reporting standard — especially the move to make ESG disclosures mandatory for listed companies — and described them as aligned with international trends.

“The movement that Zimbabwe is making is in line with international practices,” Ferolla said. “Mandating ESG disclosures by listed companies can help create a more robust and transparent market ecosystem, making local firms more attractive to global investors.”

Ferolla noted that countries such as South Africa and Brazil have already begun mandating ESG disclosures in structured formats. South Africa, for example, requires integrated reporting that combines financial and non-financial disclosures. Brazil will require listed companies to begin reporting under IFRS S1 and S2 starting in 2026.

These frameworks, she said, allow for standardised comparison between companies and jurisdictions — a key requirement for large institutional investors who now routinely assess ESG performance before making capital allocations.

“When companies are able to report in a consistent way aligned with international frameworks, it enhances their fundability and increases their ability to deliver local impact,” she said.

Zimbabwe’s Position and Opportunities

Zimbabwe’s existing SI 134 of 2019, which mandates the use of IFRS S1 and S2, is seen as a foundational starting point, though Ferolla encouraged further development.

The proposal on the table is to consolidate Zimbabwe’s ESG approach by building a framework that, while anchored on SI 134, integrates elements from over 20 other globally recognised standards such as the GRI, IRMA, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Ferolla said such alignment will strengthen Zimbabwean companies’ visibility and comparability in international markets.

Ferolla believes Zimbabwe can create a uniquely African ESG approach that respects local environmental, social, and governance realities while remaining compatible with international frameworks.

“Zimbabwe can benefit by building on what already exists locally,” she said. “There are standards here that already align with global ESG goals. The next step is to ensure that efforts from government, private sector, and even third-sector actors are integrated into a single framework.”

She stressed that establishing mandatory ESG reporting is only the first step. True impact will depend on creating a system that also supports compliance and encourages continuous improvement.

Building Local Capacity

One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the importance of ecosystem coordination. Ferolla noted that countries that succeed in ESG transformation start by setting a minimum regulatory requirement and then gradually strengthen the framework by developing local expertise, tools, and feedback systems.

She added that Zimbabwe could lead in developing reporting practices that speak to its unique industrial and cultural environment — for example, in how it treats informal mining operations such as artisanal or “Chikorokoza” mining. These could be included in ESG frameworks in a way that is locally relevant but still speaks the language of international investors.

“The aim is not just to tick boxes but to demonstrate real value and impact to the communities and the environment,” Ferolla explained.

ESG as a Bridge to Investment

Ferolla’s message echoes that of Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion, David Mnangagwa, who told the same workshop that weak ESG reporting is costing Zimbabwe billions in investment opportunities.

“We want to make sure that when the adjudicators of the ticked boxes come to Zimbabwe, they will have confidence that our policy is being implemented and enforced well — and your reports actually mean something,” Mnangagwa said, as reported by Mining Zimbabwe.

He encouraged the private sector to submit input to the Ministry of Finance, which is currently developing a financial sector policy that could embed ESG reporting requirements more firmly into law.

Ferolla echoed this sentiment, urging all stakeholders to collaborate and build a “transparent, comparable, and integrated” ESG ecosystem. She said this would allow Zimbabwe to not only access global funding pools but also improve its domestic economic resilience.

“With the right structure, Zimbabwe can become an example of how local ESG efforts can be harmonised with global trends while still delivering impact at home,” she concluded.

In a major move to unlock Zimbabwe’s vast mineral potential, the country is set to undertake a comprehensive nationwide geomagnetic airborne geophysical survey aimed at significantly enhancing understanding of its mineral resource base, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

The nationwide airborne geophysical survey aims to uncover untapped mineral deposits and stimulate growth in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

This significant initiative was announced by Finance and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube in his 2026 Budget Strategy Paper (BSP), recently presented to Parliament.

Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most mineral-rich countries, boasting over 60 known mineral types, including gold, platinum group metals (PGMs), chrome, lithium, diamonds, coal-bed methane, rare earth elements (REEs), and base metals. However, only about 40% of the country’s land area has been explored, leaving significant portions of its mineral wealth untapped.

To bridge this exploration gap, the Government has announced that it will launch the airborne geophysical survey in partnership with international and local partners.

The initiative aims to significantly enhance the country’s geostatistical data, making it easier to identify new mineral deposits and reduce the risks associated with exploration.

In his 2026 Budget Strategy Paper, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube highlighted that advanced airborne geophysical technology and upgraded labs will be vital to discovering new deposits, reducing exploration risks, and ensuring fast, accurate sample analysis.

“By leveraging advanced airborne geophysical technologies, we seek to identify new mineral deposits, improve exploration, and reduce the risks associated with mineral exploration activities,” Ncube said.

“Concurrently, Government will invest in strengthening laboratory infrastructure and capacity to support the increased volume and complexity of geological samples generated through enhanced exploration efforts, ensuring timely, precise, and reliable analysis of mineral samples, which is critical for informed decision-making by both the public sector and mining investors,” Ncube added.

This announcement comes against a backdrop of historic under-investment in exploration, which has often accounted for less than 1% of mining budgets compared to a global benchmark of around 10%.

Much of Zimbabwe’s existing geological data was collected decades ago using outdated methods, making it difficult to accurately quantify potential deposits, particularly in regions covered by Kalahari Sands and other challenging terrains.

The nationwide survey is therefore seen as a major step in a broader strategy to revitalise mineral exploration.

It follows other recent Government efforts such as the issuance of Exclusive Prospecting Orders (EPOs) to stimulate new investment, as well as the push for a progressive Mines and Minerals Bill that addresses licensing and claim security issues.

Industry bodies, including the Geological Society of Zimbabwe, have long called for more exploration licences and greater use of modern technologies such as remote sensing, drone mapping, and AI-assisted prospecting to unlock the country’s hidden mineral wealth.

Opportunities Ahead

High-value minerals such as lithium, REEs, manganese, and coal-bed methane hold major growth potential for Zimbabwe.

Recent lithium discoveries in Bikita, Kamativi, and Goromonzi, coupled with renewed interest in the country’s vast coal-bed methane fields, underscore the opportunities waiting to be tapped.

If successful, the upcoming survey and planned laboratory upgrades could transform Zimbabwe’s mineral sector by updating geostatistical data, boosting investor confidence, and laying the groundwork for new exploration campaigns. This, in turn, could help unlock billions of dollars in untapped mineral wealth and drive broader economic growth.

Zimbabwe’s mining industry is expected to grow by 5.9% in 2026, supported by firm global gold prices and strong performance in key mineral sub-sectors such as iron and steel, coal, and chrome, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Ryan Chigoche

According to the 2026 Budget Strategy Paper presented to Parliament by Finance and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube, the sector’s resilience is set to continue despite subdued international commodity prices. The projected growth will largely be driven by sustained demand for gold as a safe-haven asset, coupled with improved output across major mineral industries. These developments are expected to boost overall production and further strengthen the sector’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.

The outlook for 2026 builds on strong mining sector performance in recent years. In 2024, Zimbabwe’s mining industry exceeded export targets, generating approximately US$5.34 billion, contributing nearly 12% to GDP, and accounting for over 70% of total export earnings.

Gold production reached a record 36.48 tonnes, with artisanal and small-scale miners supplying 65% of deliveries. Platinum group metals (PGMs), chrome, nickel, and lithium also played significant roles, although softer global prices for PGMs and lithium weighed on revenues. Despite these price challenges, overall mineral output grew by 2.3% in 2024.

Looking ahead through 2025, the sector is forecast to grow by 7%, supported by rising mineral exports, increased capacity utilization, and improved employment levels. Official projections expect mineral exports to rise from US$5.5 billion in 2024 to US$6 billion in 2025, while capacity utilization is projected to increase to 90%, up from 84% the previous year.

Building on this positive trajectory, the 2026 Budget Strategy Paper underscores that the anticipated sustained growth of the mining sector will be supported by strategic initiatives focused on local beneficiation and value addition.

By upgrading processing and refining capacities to produce more semi-finished and finished mineral products, the government aims to foster industrial hubs and develop value chains that maximize domestic economic benefits while reducing reliance on raw mineral exports.

“Priority will also be on promoting local value addition and beneficiation through upgrading local processing and refining capacity of minerals into semi-finished and finished products. These policies will support the development of industrial hubs and value chains, maximizing domestic economic benefits and reducing reliance on raw mineral exports,” the Finance Ministry said.

However, despite the promising outlook, the mining sector continues to face significant legislative and regulatory uncertainties. The long-awaited amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act have not yet been fully enacted, creating gaps related to claim security, environmental compliance, and benefit-sharing with local communities.

These unresolved issues, coupled with inconsistent policies on value addition and frequent changes to royalty and tax regimes, have slowed project approvals and made investors cautious, potentially hampering fresh capital inflows and the sector’s ability to reach its full potential.

In response, the government has committed to strengthening the sector’s regulatory framework. The 2026 Budget Strategy Paper highlights intentions to create a clear, consistent, and adaptive legal environment that reduces uncertainty and attracts both domestic and foreign investment. It further commits to streamlining approval processes and aligning regulations across jurisdictions to support responsible mining practices and foster intra-regional collaboration.

“Government will continue to enhance legislative reforms in order to ensure a clear, consistent, and adaptive regulatory framework for the mining sector. This will reduce uncertainty, attract both domestic and foreign investment, and facilitate intra-regional collaboration. Approval processes will be streamlined and regulations aligned across jurisdictions to support responsible mining practices and enable cross-border projects,”

As Zimbabwe’s mining sector navigates challenges and capitalizes on growth opportunities, the government’s focus on regulatory reforms and value addition will be crucial in sustaining momentum.

With supportive policies and a clearer legal framework, the industry is well-positioned to attract investment, boost exports, and drive economic development in the years ahead.

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion is currently developing a comprehensive Financial Sector Policy, and Deputy Minister David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa has urged the private sector to actively participate in shaping it, particularly with regard to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the Enviroedge Consulting and Seall Intelligence ESG Reporting Workshop held at the Management Training Bureau (MTB) in Msasa, Harare, under the theme “Advancing ESG Reporting in Zimbabwe: Challenges, Opportunities and the Road Ahead,” Mnangagwa emphasised the need to integrate Zimbabwe’s existing ESG practices into a globally aligned framework that can attract sustainable investment and financial incentives.

“Right now, government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, is developing the financial sector policy. It’s an opportunity for all these ESG aspects to be addressed in a more substantive manner,” he said.

“The private sector needs to be the biggest lobby to make sure the policy is in place,” he added, stressing the importance of bridging the gap between government and business.

Local Standards, Global Access

Mnangagwa argued that Zimbabwe and the wider African continent already have community-rooted approaches to responsible and sustainable practices. However, he noted that these must now be translated into formal policy and reporting structures that align with global ESG frameworks.

“It’s not a matter of just playing to the gallery. We are already doing something, and if there are dividends to be gotten from this, we must organise ourselves as the private sector and government so we can access the available capital.”

Zimbabwean firms seeking capital from global markets are increasingly under pressure to demonstrate ESG compliance, not just in their operations but also through credible, audited reporting. According to Mnangagwa, aligning local efforts with global ESG metrics will not only attract green finance but also reduce the government’s social burden by leveraging corporate social investment.

Incentives and Tax Relief

The Deputy Minister also raised the question of incentivising ESG compliance, suggesting that firms investing in social outcomes should be rewarded through possible tax relief.

“If our industry is ESG compliant, this is a social dividend that the government is supposed to be providing financing for anyway. That’s going to give us relief of 1% of our taxes… but it has to be connected to something,” he explained.

Mnangagwa encouraged the business community to document and present practical models showing how ESG compliance contributes to national development goals, particularly in healthcare, environmental rehabilitation, and community services.

“It needs to be on paper. There are always conflicting needs government wants to collect as much tax as it can for social obligations, but if the private sector is coming in to carry that burden, there needs to be a translation,” he said.

Compliance Must Be Meaningful

Mnangagwa warned against token compliance and called for the creation of a robust ESG ecosystem where government agencies, local policies, and global standards all work in sync to support businesses and create investor confidence.

“When the adjudicators of the ticked boxes come to Zimbabwe, they must have confidence that our policy is being implemented and enforced well, and that your reports actually mean something.”

He also acknowledged that the cost of compliance can be high, not just in fees or systems, but in manpower and operational restructuring. However, he encouraged the private sector to frame ESG not as a burden but as an opportunity to share development responsibilities with the state, particularly in areas where government is overstretched.

Let’s Co-create, Not Dictate

“If you leave it to government without consultation with the private sector, we can come up with a Statutory Instrument tomorrow… but will it be material? That’s why we are here.”

In a significant development for the mining sector, the Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI) has announced its first-ever multi-stakeholder Board of Directors, a move aimed at advancing safer and more responsible tailings management globally.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Among the appointed members is Mutuso Dhliwayo, the Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (ZELO), formerly Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), marking an important representation for Zimbabwe.

Founded through a partnership between the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), the GTMI is tasked with promoting the adoption and implementation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). The Institute’s vision is bold: ZERO harm to people and the environment, and ZERO tolerance for tailings-related fatalities.

“This appointment is both a recognition of Africa’s voice in global mining governance and a personal honour for Mr. Dhliwayo,” said a ZELO spokesperson. “It reinforces the importance of environmental justice and community-centered mining in international policy spaces.”

The GTMI Board will oversee strategic direction for global tailings governance, promote capacity building, and ensure that the GISTM continues to be adopted by mining companies across the world. It is expected to play a pivotal role in:

• Supporting stronger regulatory frameworks and independent auditing for tailings dams;

• Encouraging community inclusion and transparency in mine waste governance;

• Building technical capacity in developing countries for safer tailings facilities;

• Driving continuous innovation in tailings storage and rehabilitation.

Mutuso Dhliwayo brings years of experience in extractive industry governance, environmental law, and community rights. His leadership at ZELO has seen the organisation become a key voice in shaping Zimbabwe’s mining legislation, especially around environmental impact and benefit-sharing frameworks.

This milestone comes as tailings-related risks are rising globally, particularly in resource-rich but infrastructure-challenged countries. Dhliwayo’s appointment is seen as a strong step toward placing Africa’s mining safety concerns on the global agenda—at a time when the energy transition is driving up production and, in turn, mine waste.

The GTMI was formed in response to devastating tailings disasters like Brumadinho and Samarco in Brazil, which claimed hundreds of lives and triggered calls for a global standard. With the Institute now governed by a diverse Board representing civil society, Indigenous peoples, industry, and investors, its mission for safe, equitable, and sustainable tailings management has gained real momentum.

As the global mining sector prepares for higher mineral demand amid the green energy boom, tailings safety is no longer just a technical issue—it’s a central piece of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) puzzle. With leaders like Dhliwayo at the table, there’s growing hope that communities affected by mining will not only be protected but also meaningfully involved in shaping a safer future for mining.