“Environmental violators risk losing licenses” — Minister Chitando

Itai Mazire

Mines and Mining Development Minister, Honourable Winston Chitando, has warned that companies face the imminent threat of losing their licenses under the upcoming Responsible Mining Initiative Part 2.

He said environmental violations and land degradation will no longer be tolerated, adding that it is the Government’s commitment to enforce strict compliance with environmental laws.

Hon. Chitando indicated that the initiative signals a significant shift from voluntary compliance to strict enforcement, aiming to address the deep social and ecological scars left by the mining sector.

“The Government takes the issue of the environment very, very seriously. This new phase will address head-on the issues relating to environmental damage, which will include loss of mining title.”

The Minister said he plans to communicate the launch date of the initiative to industry representatives during their next scheduled meeting.

The move comes amid growing public and governmental concern over pollution, deforestation and unsafe mining practices that have harmed communities across the country.

Mining accounts for over 60 percent of the country’s export earnings, driven by gold, platinum and lithium production.

Hon. Chitando indicated that the new initiative will place heavy emphasis on zero tolerance for environmental damage.

“It will require mining entities to rectify any negative environmental impacts and could lead to the loss of title for those who damage the environment. The initiative will also address non-compliance with existing laws. At the moment, there is no provision for loss of mining title where operators or holders of mining concessions do not comply with environmental laws,” said Hon. Chitando.

He said this will change under Responsible Mining Initiative Part 2, and every operator must comply with no exceptions.

The reforms will also strengthen coordination between the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Mines Ministry.

“Miners will be required to submit rehabilitation and mine-closure plans before extraction begins,” said Hon. Chitando.

The Government aims to shift the sector from voluntary compliance to strict enforcement — a policy shift that has the potential to reshape Zimbabwe’s reputation in global mining.

Hon. Chitando’s announcement follows concerns raised about mining entities operating in grazing lands and failing to comply with Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) or respect local communities.

He also emphasized the importance of understanding community perceptions of the mining industry, suggesting a survey to gauge public sentiment and inform industry standards.

The initiative also seeks to address the social license to operate, recognising that the actions of irresponsible companies can negatively impact the entire industry.

“Bear in mind that if you are company A and you believe that you are a good social citizen, what is being done by company B, which is not a good social citizen, will affect how you are viewed as company A,” he said.

The full details of Responsible Mining Initiative Part 2 remain under wraps until its official launch on a date yet to be announced by Hon. Chitando.