Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s mining sector is intensifying its focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance, as highlighted at the ongoing Mine Entra 2024 conference.

Stakeholders from across the industry are emphasising the urgent need for sustainable practices to align with national policies and enhance the sector’s global standing.

ESG principles are seen as critical for ensuring long-term growth, attracting investment, and improving operational standards within the sector.

President of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), Henrietta Rushwaya, underscored the importance of ESG compliance, stating that the sector must align with national policies on sustainability.

"The country’s policies are heading in the right direction, especially concerning beneficiation. There is a lot of optimism about the sector’s future, and adherence to ESG principles will attract more investment and improve mining operations," Rushwaya said during the conference.

Tonderai Chiremba, representing the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), acknowledged the Government's efforts in promoting responsible environmental practices in the mining industry.

He commended the policies that align with ESG standards and highlighted the forthcoming climate change bill aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

"We have been actively working with the government to ensure the mining sector adheres to responsible environmental practices. The forthcoming climate change bill is aimed at reducing carbon emissions and further aligns with ESG principles," Chiremba explained.

Chiremba also mentioned ZELA’s ongoing commitment to supporting artisanal and small-scale miners in meeting responsible sourcing standards.

"We will continue to provide technical assistance to ensure these miners can achieve ESG compliance," he added, reflecting the collaborative effort to foster sustainability in the sector.

In an interview on the sidelines of the event, Minister of State and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Judith Ncube, reiterated the Government’s dedication to creating an environment conducive to ESG compliance.

She highlighted the crucial role of small and medium-scale miners in driving the economy while reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting these miners in adopting sustainable practices.

"Our small and medium-scale miners are vital for the economy, and the government will continue to support them in adopting responsible mining practices," Minister Ncube stated.

Director General of the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Aaron Chigona, spoke about the agency’s efforts to support the mining sector’s transition to sustainable practices.

He pointed to EMA’s involvement in the national responsible mining audit, which assesses ESG compliance to ensure that mining operations are environmentally sound.

"EMA has been actively involved in both the first and second phases of the national responsible mining audit, assessing ESG compliance to ensure our mining operations meet environmental standards," Chigona noted.

The collective commitment of stakeholders across the industry is driving efforts to ensure that environmental, social, and governance standards are met, with long-term benefits for the country’s economy and its communities.

This focus on sustainability is expected to improve Zimbabwe’s mining practices, attract international investment, and secure the future of the nation’s mining industry.

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