Mnangagwa Launches Responsible Mining Initiative
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday launched the Responsible Mining Initiative in an effort to combat illegal mining activities in Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa stated that the government of Zimbabwe will not tolerate any form of non-compliance within the mining sector, and a mines audit will soon be conducted to ensure that all companies are following proper legislation.
The mining industry in Zimbabwe has been plagued with illegal operations that have cost the country millions of dollars and have been detrimental to the environment.
In his address, the President stressed that this initiative would play a vital role in creating a sustainable US$12 billion mining industry. He also mentioned that this program was crucial to the government’s quest for good stewardship of Zimbabwe’s natural and mineral resources. Furthermore, the President declared that the malpractices that were occurring within the mining industry, such as mineral leakages, environmental degradation, and haphazard operations, could not be condoned.
“This initiative represents an essential milestone in our journey towards a sustainable US$12 billion mining industry,” the President said.
“Furthermore, the programme is an indispensable undertaking in my Government’s quest to exercise good stewardship over the many natural and mineral resources that our beautiful country, Zimbabwe, has been blessed with by Almighty God.
“The situation, where the sector is characterised by malpractices such as environmental degradation, mineral leakages and haphazard operations conducted outside the legal provisions of our country, can never be condoned.”
To address these issues, audit teams will be deployed soon to investigate the activities of mining entities in Zimbabwe. These audits will aim to highlight any challenges and offer recommendations for the improvement of the mining sector.
“Audit teams will conduct thorough investigations on activities within the various mining entities, with the objective of highlighting and proffering challenges recommendations towards the overall improvement of our mining sector,” Mnangagwa said adding that the audits will be done soon.
While this may be a challenging task with many obstacles to overcome, the Responsible Mining Initiative represents a significant step in the right direction for Zimbabwe’s mining industry. This positive step will not only benefit the country in terms of revenue generation but also in environmental protection.
According to Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando, the audit team comprises of different government departments.
“The objective of the Initiative is to ensure that all mining operations are conducted in accordance with the country’s laws. The audit team will comprise members from the following Ministries, Departments and Agencies: Mines and Mining Development, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Local Government and Public Works, Energy and Power Development, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Departments of Immigration and Labour, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Environmental Management Agency, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police,” Chitando said in a statement.