The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation (Zelo) expresses deep concern over several incidences of violence, conflicts, poor working conditions and environmental damage in the mining sector.
Such incidences underscore the urgent need for robust enforcement of responsible mining and investment standards and practices in Zimbabwe’s extractive sector.
In this regard, Zelo notes a statement issued by the Chinese embassy1, reaffirming the importance of upholding human rights and lawful conduct by Chinese enterprises operating in Zimbabwe. Such engagement is vital in reinforcing accountability and promoting responsible investment practices.
Foreign investments should positively contribute to Zimbabwe’s sustainable development and respect community rights. This can be enhanced by the promotion of investor competition in the country, through engaging different investors to enter the mining space and mineral value chain, thereby creating suitable conditions for responsible investments.
Zelo also acknowledges the government’s efforts to reform the mining sector through various processes such as the responsible mining audit which started in 2023, as well as the development of the Mines and Minerals Bill which introduces third party auditing of environmental, social and governance aspects and corporate social responsibility certification.
Thus, Zelo hopes that government’s current and ongoing steps in strengthening governance, accountability, environmental and social protections in the mining sector will be concretised into national legislation.
At the same time, it is also hoped that these efforts will not increase the cost of doing business in the country, but will help companies create value by implementing environmental, social and governance systems.
As stakeholders in Zimbabwe’s natural resource governance, Zelo affirms support for the following national and international initiatives which we believe will protect community and workers’ rights in the mining sector and balance with investments and economic interests:
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The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill – Zelo welcomes the accelerated progress on the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill which introduces community benefit frameworks, environmental and social protection mechanisms, enhanced transparency in licensing and operations through the computerised mining cadastre system. This legislation is a cornerstone for building a just and inclusive mining economy.
However, the bill must strengthen the issue of compensation, grievance handling and redress mechanisms.
Responsible Mining Practices and Community Rights – Zelo continues to advocate for responsible mining practices, focusing on empowering government entities and local communities to help in advancing environmental, economic, social and cultural rights. This call is also based on legal reforms that safeguard community and national investment interests in natural resource management, promoting corporate accountability aligned with principles of social justice, decent work and environmental sustainability. A key component of the call is the responsible mining audit, with oversight of government institutions. There is need to ensure that affected communities actively participate in discussions and decisions regarding mining operations. By fostering transparency and inclusivity, responsible mining practices contribute to a more equitable mining sector in Zimbabwe.
Responsible Mining Audits and Environmental & Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) – Zelo supports government’s efforts to institutionalise responsible mining audits and strengthen ESIAs as mandatory tools for evaluating environmental and social risks, assessing community impacts, as well as ensuring compliance with national and international legislation, policies and standards.
Adoption of and alignment with international standards – Some of Zimbabwe’s mining companies are increasingly aligning with international standards such as the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)2 , Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)3, the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) Guidelines for Responsible Mining4 and the African Mining Vision, among others. These frameworks promote ethical sourcing, labour rights, environmental protection, and community engagement. Chinese mining companies are, therefore, expected to voluntarily implement the CCCMC guidelines in addition to national legislation in Zimbabwe.
Environmental social governance principles and policies – Zelo acknowledges the efforts being made by some mining companies to develop environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies and systems.
This includes the companies’ oversight body, the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, which balances investor interests, workers’ and community rights. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Service should ensure alignment of the Occupational Health and Safety Bill – which is currently under development – with the Labour Act of Zimbabwe and the ongoing Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill.
Grievance and access to remedy for victims – Access to Remedy, emphasises that individuals and communities affected by business-related human rights abuses must have access to effective redress mechanisms. This includes both state-based judicial remedies such as courts and non-judicial mechanisms which include company grievance policies and procedures. Mining companies are also encouraged to develop grievance redress registers to handle any grievances and complaints. To facilitate this process, Zelo developed a model grievance redress mechanism and register for the mining sector.
Therefore, Zelo calls for the following actions:
- Finalisation of key legislation
Zelo calls upon government to finalise the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill and the Occupational Safety and Health Bill to strengthen legal protections for communities and workers. These will also enhance government inspections and oversight on implementation of ESG aspects by companies.
- Enforce responsible mining practises and audits.
Zelo commends the ongoing responsible mining audit launched by Government and is ready to provide any technical assistance that may be needed to ensure implementation.
In addition, Zelo calls for the strengthening of responsible mining governance in Zimbabwe for sound mining operations that respect environmental, economic, community, social and cultural rights.
- Alignment of national laws with regional and international standards.
Zelo calls for the alignment of laws and policies with regional and international standards to promote ethical investment and sustainable development.
- Promote ESG and best practises.
Mining companies should develop ESG policies and consider the adoption of international standards such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence guidance, compliance with European Union (EU) Critical Raw Material Acts, EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), IRMA and CCCMC. Zimbabwe should consider integrating these frameworks into its investment protocols and audit systems.
- Ensure access to remedy for victims.
Zelo calls for the establishment of effective grievance redress mechanisms, both judicial and non-judicial to support affected communities and (or) workers.– Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation
