The government has launched a nationwide monitoring exercise targeting mining operations that leave behind open pits and hazardous chemicals, warning that operators who fail to rehabilitate the environment risk losing their mining titles.
Minister of Mines and Mining Development Polite Kambamura told the Senate that authorities had already begun inspections across the country to assess whether miners are complying with environmental regulations.
The move follows concerns raised by legislators about abandoned pits and toxic substances left behind by mining operations, which pose dangers to livestock and surrounding communities.
During the session, Senator Tambudzani Mohadi said numerous open pits had been left along the Bulawayo–Gwanda highway and the Shashe–Thuli Mine road.
“My question is with regard to people who are doing mining, who are getting proceeds from their mining activities but leave open pits, which at the end of the day we see our cattle falling into them,” she said.
“Some of them are left with cyanide and our cattle are dying because of these challenges. What is the Ministry of Mines doing with regard to ensuring that these open pits are filled up?”
Kambamura said the Mines and Minerals Act requires all miners to rehabilitate mined-out areas and properly manage chemicals used in their operations.
“The ministry will be going around, and we have already started the exercise to check on compliance with regard to environmental issues,” he said.
“Hefty penalties, which include but are not limited to the withdrawal of mining titles, will be imposed on offenders.”
The minister said new provisions under the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill, currently before Parliament, would further tighten oversight of the sector.
Under the proposed law, miners will be required to submit environmental, social and governance (ESG) plans, environmental management plans and mine closure plans before they can begin operations.
“These documents will clearly address rehabilitation issues,” he said.
Authorities say inspections will target both registered mining companies and artisanal miners. However, Mr Kambamura said some resistance had been observed among small-scale operators.
“This law applies to the entire mining industry, both large-scale and small-scale miners, but we have observed some reluctance in the small-scale sector,” he said.
Among the measures being considered is a requirement for miners to pay environmental insurance, allowing the government to fund rehabilitation work if sites are abandoned without restoration.
“If a miner abandons a site without rehabilitation, the government will draw from that fund to restore the area,” he said.
Kambamura added that the ministry is working with the Environmental Management Agency to enforce the “polluter pays” principle and pursue companies responsible for abandoned pits across the country.
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