Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has called on miners to prioritize environmental rehabilitation and adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Speaking at an ESG breakfast meeting in Harare, Deputy Minister Polite Kambamura urged mining companies to invest in reducing their environmental footprint through sustainable technologies and methods.
Highlighting the impact of traditional mining practices—such as deforestation, habitat destruction, water pollution, and soil degradation—Kambamura stressed the importance of site restoration and ecosystem reclamation. “Mining companies should invest in rehabilitation to mitigate long-term impacts and promote sustainability,” he said.
Despite ongoing efforts, financing for mine rehabilitation remains limited. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) does not currently collect funds specifically for this purpose. However, the sector reported the rehabilitation of 464 hectares in the second quarter of 2024.
To address the issue, the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe has proposed the creation of a mine closure rehabilitation fund. The initiative would require companies to contribute a portion of their operational costs to restore mined lands, ensuring responsible mining practices and sustainable outcomes for local communities.
With Zimbabwe experiencing a mining boom, the push for ESG compliance aims to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
