Mining contracts should be signed after consultation
To create a sustainable Environment Social and Governance (ESG) WorkPlan in Zimbabwe, it is vital for the government to sign mining contracts after a full report on consultation has been delivered, Mutoko Ward 5 Councilor Kwanisai Dende has said.
Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the WorkPlan 4 Workshop on Assessing the Environment Social and Governance (ESG) in the mining sector in Zimbabwe hosted by the Association of Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA) at Monomotapa Hotel in Harare today, Councilor Dende said communities need good roads, health facilities among others, therefore it was of importance for companies to meet communities first for consultation before Government issues mining certificates.
“The current Mines and Minerals Act does not look into the future of the country. Without sustainable plans for the future, the communities will suffer from the consequences of mining. Mining contracts should be signed by the government after consultations have already been done. Our communities need good roads, dusty roads are not ideal because they would want to be maintained every day.
“Health care facilities should be built.
“Proper exploration should be done, mining companies are moving out tonnes of ore but claiming to be still exploring for minerals,” Councilor Dende said.
Speaking at the same event National Environment Awareness Trust (NEAT) Founder and CEO Mr Timothy Chizuzu said a lot should be done in ensuring that ESG principles are well kept by miners.
He said the country was lagging on ESG principles especially when it comes to Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) because the country was not doing enough to educate the miners.
“Little is done to educate miners on best environment plans and rehabilitation of the environment. The Act should be clear on what the miner should do,” Chizuzu said.