The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in the Midlands Province, Honourable Owen Ncube, has urged mining companies operating in the province to comply with environmental regulations and immediately begin reclaiming degraded land.
Minister Ncube said mining activities have significantly contributed to the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP), through increased investment, technological development, productivity, and job creation.
However, he noted that some mining companies are failing to comply with environmental laws, leaving behind open pits that endanger livestock and negatively impact the environment.
Minister Ncube called on all miners to comply with the Mines and Minerals Act, the Environmental Management Act, the Urban Councils Act, the Rural District Councils Act, and the Town and Country Planning Act, among others.
He said it is the responsibility of mining entities to reclaim land under their control by filling open pits and planting trees. He also announced plans to visit mining areas in the province to assess levels of compliance.
