President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to mining companies that disregard environmental laws, pledging that his government will not hesitate to weed out irresponsible operators from the sector, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, President Mnangagwa said that while Zimbabwe’s mining sector continues to attract massive investments in gold, lithium, iron, and steel production, environmental protection and community welfare remain non-negotiable.
“My Government is committed to weeding out irresponsible mining stakeholders who cause pollution, degradation of the environment, and damage to critical infrastructure,” said the President.
He emphasised that as the country welcomes both local and foreign investors, it expects them to operate responsibly and in line with Zimbabwe’s laws and traditional values.
“As we welcome investors in our jurisdiction, we expect that they will adhere to the Constitution and laws of our country, while also respecting our people, customs, and culture,” he added.
His call comes barely a month after his Deputy, Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, echoed the same sentiments at the latest edition of Mine Entra, where he emphasised that the country was “Open for Business, not for Extraction,” a stern warning to would-be offenders.
In Zimbabwe, while mining has immensely contributed to the economy through foreign currency earnings, it has also had negative social and environmental impacts on communities where resources are extracted. Recent reports indicate that, to date, more than 10,000 graves have been desecrated as mining activities encroach on burial sites and sacred lands, sparking outrage and calls for stronger protection of cultural heritage.
The President’s remarks come at a time when the government is tightening regulations in the extractive sector through the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, which he said has already been gazetted and is expected to be finalised during the current parliamentary session. The Bill seeks to modernise the legal framework governing mining, promote accountability, and ensure communities benefit from mineral wealth.
Mnangagwa also highlighted that the mining industry has seen significant growth, with new processing plants, independent power projects, and energy parks being commissioned to support value addition and beneficiation. These developments, he said, are contributing to job creation and GDP growth.
Mnangagwa’s comments reflect a growing recognition of the need to balance mining expansion with sustainable environmental practices. Zimbabwe has in recent years faced challenges with unregulated artisanal mining, river pollution, and deforestation linked to extractive activities.
By signalling a crackdown on “irresponsible” players, the government appears keen to project a new era of accountability in the mining sector — one that prioritises sustainable development alongside economic growth.
