Zim GBC News Reporter
Harare – At the recent Chamber of Mines Annual General Meeting, Mines Minister Winston Chitando expressed frustration over the rampant lawlessness in the mining sector, highlighting environmental degradation and the exploitation of local communities.
However, his remarks have sparked criticism as many believe he is failing to fulfill his responsibilities to address these issues.
Chitando opened the meeting by addressing the concerning behavior of some miners who disregard legal regulations, saying,
“We have the laws which support the mining industry, although at times, you, the investors, disregard some of the laws.”
His passionate outburst drew applause from attendees, indicating a shared sentiment that the industry demands accountability.
He painted a grim picture of destruction within the mining landscape, particularly in granite and coal mining areas, where he described “roads wiped off the map” and “landscapes shredded.” “It’s a sorry sight. That has to stop,” Chitando declared, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
The Minister announced plans for the Phase Two of the Responsible Mining Initiative, set to launch in July, aimed at addressing “indiscipline” within the sector.
However, critics were quick to question the effectiveness of previous initiatives, as the results of Phase One remain unpublished.
“Without any doubt, it has now come to a stage whereby if you violate the environment, you lose your mining title,” Chitando asserted.
Despite his strong words, critics point out that Chitando already possesses the authority to enforce compliance under the 1961 Mining and Minerals Act, which allows for the cancellation of licenses due to environmental violations. However, challenges such as political influence and corruption have hindered enforcement.
The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has attempted to intervene by issuing stop orders against illegal mining activities, yet many miners continue to operate without fear of repercussions.
“Government banned riverbed mining, but it continues in banned zones like Mazowe,” a source noted, highlighting the disconnect between policy and practice.
Chitando also lamented the preference of foreign miners for foreign suppliers, saying,
“The transport sector is a reserved sector for locals. But we now have a situation where investors that aren’t local, without authorization, go into the transport sector.”
This observation was met with skepticism, as Zimplow, a major mining equipment supplier, recently reported that “Chinese mines, which currently make up approximately 80% of all mines, generally buy exclusively from Chinese suppliers.”
As the Minister continues to voice concerns about the mining sector’s challenges, critics argue that it is time for decisive action rather than complaints.
“It’s not enough to complain about environmental damage and ignored laws. Those are not new problems,” one observer stated.
“What would be new is seeing the Ministry actually do something about them.”
Until concrete steps are taken to address the issues plaguing the mining industry, the call for accountability and responsible practices will remain a pressing concern for stakeholders and communities alike.
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