Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando
By Dickson Bandera
Mining companies in Zimbabwe have been urged to cooperate with government officials during the Responsible Mining Audit Initiative and to maintain their commitment to responsible mining practices beyond the audit.
This appeal was made by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Winston Chitando, who launched the Responsible Mining Audit Initiative on Friday at a local hotel in Harare.
The audit is part of the monitoring and evaluation exercise of an initiative launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023, aiming to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Minister Chitando highlighted that the audit would hold mining companies accountable for their operations as he deployed officers nationwide to assess the current state of sustainable and responsible mining practices.
“Today, we are launching the 2024 Responsible Mining Audit Initiative, a comprehensive program that will hold mining companies accountable for their practices and ensure they operate in a manner that is truly beneficial to our nation and its people,” stated Minister Chitando.
“I call upon all mining companies operating in Zimbabwe to embrace this initiative and demonstrate their commitment to responsible mining. We will work closely with you to ensure that your operations align with our national development goals and the needs of our communities,” he added.
The audit will be conducted in two phases of eight weeks each: Phase 1 will cover Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, Masvingo, and Matabeleland South, while Phase 2 will cover Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, Midlands, and Matabeleland North.
Minister Chitando emphasized that by implementing the Responsible Mining Audit Initiative, the government was sending a clear message to the mining industry: responsible and sustainable practices are not optional but a necessity.
He further indicated that the government expects “mining companies to be good corporate citizens, to prioritize the well-being of our people, and to contribute to the long-term prosperity of our nation.”
With more than 60 tradable minerals, Zimbabwe’s mining sector is crucial to achieving Upper Middle Income Economy status by 2030.
Minister Chitando urged auditors to meet expectations and conduct their work diligently and professionally.
“To the audit team, I urge you to conduct the exercise diligently and in a professional manner. In the same vein, we also expect maximum cooperation from the mining companies to provide all the information requested by the audit team.
“We expect to reap the maximum benefits from this exercise as we set the model for the future of mining operations in Zimbabwe,” he added.
Responsible mining is essential not only for environmental protection but also for ensuring the well-being of local communities. Hence, the Gutu South legislator reassured citizens about the Initiative’s impact.
“To the people of Zimbabwe, I assure you that this is not just a symbolic gesture. We are serious about holding the mining industry accountable and ensuring that the benefits of mining are equitably distributed and reinvested in your communities,” he asserted.
Minister Chitando also believes that with support and collaboration, a thriving mining industry can become a reality.
“Together, we will build a mining sector that is a true engine of sustainable development, one that creates jobs, protects the environment, and uplifts the lives of all Zimbabweans. This is our shared vision, and I am confident that with your support and the hard work of all stakeholders, we will realize this goal.”
“I strongly believe that collectively, we will write a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s mining story—one defined by sustainability, accountability, and a shared prosperity that reaches every corner of our nation.”
The minister paid tribute to President Mnangagwa, saying, “With the steadfast leadership of His Excellency, the President, and the collective commitment of all stakeholders, I am confident that we will realize this transformative vision.”
