Zimbabwean lawmakers have called on the government to take decisive action to address environmental damage caused by mining activities across the country.
During a sitting of Parliament, legislators urged the Minister of Mines and Mining Development to present a ministerial statement outlining the government’s position on sustainable mining and steps being taken to curb the widespread environmental degradation linked to mining operations.
Communities in mining regions have long raised concerns over land degradation, pollution, and labour violations, often blaming foreign mining companies for operating with little regard for environmental or labour laws.
Rising on a point of national interest, Kwekwe Central MP Judith Tobaiwa criticised some foreign nationals and entities involved in gold mining in areas such as Kwekwe, Makaha, and Shurugwi.
“Zimbabwe is open for business, but that does not mean investors can disregard our domestic laws,” Tobaiwa told Parliament. “Some foreign miners are carrying out operations with total disregard for the environment, destroying flora and fauna in our communities.”
Tobaiwa also raised concern over alleged labour law violations, citing the case of ferrochrome producer ZIMASCO, recently acquired by a Chinese company.
“They retrenched Zimbabwean workers and replaced them with unskilled Chinese workers,” she claimed.
She called for a ministerial statement to explain measures being taken to ensure mining activities are both environmentally sustainable and legally compliant. Tobaiwa further requested a cost-benefit analysis to assess the impact of mining on local communities.
“This is not an issue that can be resolved in a routine question-and-answer session — it requires detailed attention and research,” she said.
The concerns come against the backdrop of government commitments to promote responsible mining practices.
Presenting the 2024 National Budget last year, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube acknowledged widespread breaches of environmental and mining regulations. He pledged stricter enforcement and announced the creation of audit teams to inspect mining operations across the country.
The teams, drawn from several ministries, including Mines and Mining Development, Environment, Climate and Wildlife, and Local Government, are expected to clamp down on non-compliant mining operations.