The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has welcomed the government’s decision to immediately suspend the export of raw minerals and lithium concentrates, describing the move as a progressive step towards value addition and beneficiation.
In an interview with CITE, ZDAMWU General Secretary Justice Chinhema said the policy shift by the government aligns with the aspirations of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) which seeks to promote industrialisation, decent work and sustainable development across the continent.
“We note and welcome the government’s decision to suspend the export of raw minerals and lithium concentrates. This is in line with broader African efforts to stop the export of unprocessed minerals and ensure that mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to industrialisation, job creation and community development,” said Chinhema.
He said the move reflects the AMV’s call for transparent, equitable and optimal exploitation of mineral resources while promoting a mining sector that is safe, healthy, inclusive and socially responsible.
However, Chinhema expressed concern over the potential unintended consequences of abrupt policy shifts on mine workers.
“While we fully support the objective of maximising national benefit from our minerals, we are deeply concerned about the plight of workers. Sudden changes in export policy without adequate consultation and transition measures may result in job losses, unpaid lay-offs or deterioration of working conditions,” he said.
He emphasised that workers should not bear the cost of economic reforms meant to improve the country’s beneficiation capacity.
“The noble goal of increasing local value addition must not come at the expense of mine workers and their families. Instead, it should translate into more secure and decent jobs, better wages, skills development and improved living standards in mining communities,” Chinhema added.
The union also called for all policy and investment decisions in the critical minerals value chain to be guided by Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) standards in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
According to Chinhema, companies and state entities must identify, prevent and mitigate any adverse impacts on workers and communities at every stage of extraction, processing, transportation and trade.
ZDAMWU further urged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to adopt a more inclusive and consultative approach in implementing the new framework.
“We are calling for structured social dialogue involving trade unions, mining communities and other non-state actors. There must be clear timelines, transition measures and binding safeguards to prevent job losses or exploitation,” he said.
Chinhema also stressed that any new processing and beneficiation plants should be unionised, safe and fully compliant with labour, health, safety and environmental laws.
He highlighted key concerns such as freedom of association, non-discrimination, gender equality and access to remedy as critical pillars of responsible mineral governance.
He said the union stands ready to engage the Ministry, the Chamber of Mines and other stakeholders to ensure the new export framework delivers both increased national value and genuine respect for human rights and decent work.
“Our position is simple,”
“Zimbabwe can achieve value addition and industrial growth while protecting workers. The two goals are not mutually exclusive. They must go hand in hand as envisioned under the Africa Mining Vision,” he added.