The Chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development, Hon Remigious Toendepi Matangira, has called for a more comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, urging mining companies to invest more meaningfully in communities and the environment, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the Chamber of Mines Annual Mining Conference in Victoria Falls, Hon. Matangira emphasised Parliament’s oversight role in ensuring that mining activities are not only economically beneficial but also socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.
“Mining is like making an omelette — you can’t do it without breaking an egg,” he said. “Likewise, you cannot mine without affecting the soil and the environment. But responsible mining is not a choice anymore; it is a must.”
Hon. Matangira raised concerns shared by communities across mining districts, where massive open pits, degraded landscapes, and diminishing mountains are becoming permanent scars of extraction. He noted that while large-scale mining operations often shift the blame to artisanal miners, all players in the industry bear equal responsibility.
“What will the people of Zimbabwe have to show in 20 years if lithium is depleted and mining houses leave? Will we be left with nothing but pits and dust?” he asked.
He pointed out that while some companies were contributing positively to local development, many still fell short of public expectations. “Yes, some have done well, but others must be honest — they are not doing enough for the communities from which they extract value,” he said.
Parliament, he said, believes that mining’s contribution should go far beyond paying taxes to the Treasury. It must include:
- Development of infrastructure such as roads, telecommunications, and water systems
- Investment in social amenities like schools, clinics, and recreational facilities
- Effective partnerships with rural district councils
- Long-term community development plans
Hon. Matangira said the committee is committed to engaging with the sector to track and audit community benefit obligations through the lens of ESG. He praised the Chamber of Mines for organising a workshop aimed at scoping and mapping the sector’s community contributions.
“Parliament is not here to fight mining. We are here to ensure that the wealth beneath our soil builds schools, connects communities to clean water, and creates lasting livelihoods — especially as we drive towards Vision 2030,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when ESG expectations are rising globally, and investors increasingly factor in sustainability, transparency, and social license to operate when evaluating mining ventures. In Zimbabwe, the discussion around ESG is gaining momentum as communities grow more vocal about unfulfilled promises, degraded environments, and limited long-term benefits from mineral wealth.
Hon. Matangira closed his address with a call for unity between the government, Parliament, mining companies, and financial institutions to create a future where mining leaves behind more than empty holes.
“We must mine with pride, responsibility, and foresight. Let Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth not only lift our GDP, but also our people’s lives.”
