The 12th edition of the Mining Media Awards in Harare on Friday night brought together government, industry leaders and diplomats who used the platform to champion responsible mining, ethical journalism and deeper collaboration in shaping Zimbabwe’s mining future. The event, themed “Stories of Growth and Sustainability,” honoured journalists whose reporting has helped illuminate the opportunities and challenges within one of the country’s most important economic sectors.
Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Engineer Caleb Makwiranzou, said Zimbabwe’s mining boom—driven by lithium, gold, platinum, chrome, coal and widening exploration—must be matched by accountability, environmental protection and community-focused development. He stressed that modern mining is judged not only on output but on how responsibly companies operate, warning that degraded landscapes, polluted rivers and unsafe pits remain a concern. Makwiranzou said the government is tightening compliance, working with EMA and local authorities, but emphasised that legislation alone is insufficient without factual, balanced reporting that exposes gaps and highlights progress. He also announced significant movement on the Mines and Minerals Bill (SB1 of 2025), which he said will modernise mining governance through stronger environmental provisions, clearer licensing, safeguards against mineral leakages and alignment with international best practices.
Kuvimba Mining House CEO Trevor Barnard echoed the call for sustainability, urging the sector to treat environmental and social responsibility as a strategic imperative rather than a regulatory burden. Barnard said trust within the mining ecosystem can only be achieved through integrity, transparent communication, human capital development, business excellence and meaningful stakeholder engagement. He commended the media for shaping the public narrative on mining and influencing national confidence, saying journalists play a decisive role in documenting both achievements and shortcomings across the sector. He encouraged continued collaboration between industry and the press to ensure mining contributes lasting value to communities and future generations.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding, described the mining partnership between Zimbabwe and China as a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship strengthened by shared development goals. He said Chinese companies remain major players in Zimbabwe’s mining landscape, contributing to jobs, tax revenue, technological transfer and value addition. Zhou highlighted investments in steel production, solar energy projects, community infrastructure and vocational training while acknowledging that mining comes with global environmental and social challenges. He condemned misinformation targeting Chinese companies, urging criticism rooted in facts rather than narratives designed to incite xenophobia. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to support transparent reporting and facilitate journalist access to first-hand information, arguing that accurate storytelling is crucial for strengthening Zimbabwe’s investment climate.
The awards ceremony itself celebrated journalists who have contributed to informed public discourse on the mining industry. Equity Axis reporter Blessing Kanyemba emerged as the standout performer of the night, winning the prestigious Overall Mining Sector Reporter of the Year Award. He also clinched the Lithium Sector Best Reporter Award and secured runner-up positions in the Diamond and Coal and Gas categories. Judges praised his analytical depth, research quality and his focus on responsible mining and economic development. Other notable winners included Zimpapers’ Nqobile Bhebhe in the Gold Sector and Tawanda Musarurwa, also of Zimpapers, who topped the Small-Scale and Artisanal Miners category.
As the ceremony concluded, speakers and award winners alike agreed that the future of Zimbabwe’s mining sector will be determined not only by policymakers, geologists and investors, but also by journalists whose work informs public understanding, strengthens transparency and keeps the sector accountable. The night reinforced a shared message: sustainable growth depends on collaboration, integrity and truthful storytelling that captures both the promise and the responsibility of managing the country’s mineral wealth.
