Staff Reporter
President Mnangagwa yesterday launched the Responsible Mining Audit Initiative at the State House and called for all mining stakeholders to demonstrate a greater sense of responsibility when conducting mining activities.
Giving his keynote address during the launch, the President said that the success of Vision 2030 of an Upper Middle Income Economy status calls for the adoption of responsible mining practices.
“Allow me, at the onset, to thank you for attending this forum to discuss operations within the mining sector. The centrality of the mining sector in the broader national development, modernisation and industrialisation of our country entails that all stakeholders demonstrate a greater sense of responsibility in their mining activities. My Government thus saw it fit that we adopt a common vision for sustainable development through responsible mining practices as we march towards Vision 2030 of an Upper Middle Income Economy," said the President.
Furthermore, the President elaborated the essence of achieving a US$12 billion sustainable mining industry by exercising good stewardship over the natural and mineral resources in the country.
"The initiative represents an essential milestone in our journey towards a sustainable US$12billion mining industry. 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 the Almighty God," said the President.
According to President Mnangagwa, all mining entities should abide by Zimbabwe's laws, in adherence to aspects of environmental management, immigration tax and the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act.
In addition, the President said that the responsible mining initiative would emphasise on workers’ rights, community engagement, job training as well as health and safety matters. He called for fair wages within the mining sector.
Meanwhile, an Audit team will be setup comprising of the Ministries of Mines and Mining Development; Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; Local Government and Public Works; Energy and Power Development; Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry as well as Government departments such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Department of Immigration among others, so as to promote responsible mining. This will help establish a framework that promotes responsible mining practices, while guaranteeing the well-being of the communities and environments where mining activities will be taking place.
