CNRG calls for redefinition of sustainable mining

There has been a push away from the extractive model of local mining to value addition to maximise Zimbabwe’s vast natural resources as it is the country’s main foreign currency earner.

The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) programmes manager Tracy Mutowekuziva has called for a redefinition of sustainable mining for the country to derive more benefits from its mineral resources.

There has been a push away from the extractive model of local mining to value addition to maximise Zimbabwe’s vast natural resources as it is the country’s main foreign currency earner.

Speaking following the South African mining conferences, the African Mining Indaba and the 16th edition of the Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI), Mutowekuziva said there was a disconnect between businesses and human rights approaches in mining.

The two indabas are annual events that were held recently in South Africa.

“As we move forward, it’s essential that we redefine sustainable mining and ensure that the benefits of mineral extraction are shared equitably among all stakeholders,” Mutowekuziva said.

“As I drew comparisons between the two events, I was reminded that we still have a long way to go in defining what sustainable mining truly means, if at all it does exist.

“The disconnect between business and human rights approaches to mining is evident. While companies prioritise profit and efficiency, communities demand respect for their rights, livelihoods and environments.”

She said that as these questions lingered, civic society must continue to engage in these critical conversations.

However, CNRG found that in addressing the foregoing challenge to reconcile the economic benefits of mining with the need to protect human rights, environments, and community interests, civil society faces resistance from mining corporations and corrupt States.

“By working together, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable mining sector that prioritises the needs of both business and community,” Mutowekuziva said.

She moderated a panel discussion at the Alternative Mining Indaba, which focused on critical issues surrounding mining, inequality, and environmental justice.

During the panel, titled Unearthing the Truth: Addressing Inequality and Environmental Justice, key topics were explored, all focusing on how communities are left to bear the brunt of externalised costs of mining.

At one of the sessions, a documentary titled Critical to Who?’ produced by CNRG, exposed how lithium extraction in the Bikita district of Masvingo Province is precipitating a socio-ecological disaster for communities in resource-rich areas.

The documentary unearthed the externalised costs of lithium extraction and offered a pivot point for CNRG and its partners to advocate for meaningful reforms within the extractive sector.

“The Alternative Mining Indaba 2025, represented a pivotal moment for stakeholders in the mining sector,” CNRG senior programmes officer, Ndaizivei Garura said.

“This event focused on critical issues such as social justice, environmental sustainability and community rights, providing a much-needed counterpoint to the Africa Mining Indaba, which is primarily a business-oriented platform.”

She said communities impacted by mining activities must be given a voice in decisions significantly affecting their lives.

“CNRG actively engages grassroots movements from regions like Hwange, Marange, and Penhalonga, and these voices resonated throughout the AMI discussions,” Garura said.