Mercury Ban! A Bold Move Towards Environmental Sustainability

By Paul Matshona-Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association What is the MINAMATA Convention? The Minamata Convention is a legally binding instrument pushing towards mercury reduction and elimination[1]. Currently, the Convention has 128 signatures and 123 ratifications (including 50 African countries).[2] Zimbabwe signed the Convention on 11 October 2013 to curb mercury use. The objective of this Convention […]

The Kimberley Process Dance with Zimbabwe

Strengths and Weaknesses of the KPCS in Zimbabwe Compiled by Shamiso Mtisi-Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (KPCSC Coordinator) The story continues As noted elsewhere in this Chapter, the KPCS had a number of positive aspects it brought to Zimbabwe in its handling of the Marange issue.  The decision by the KPCS to send in Review Missions to […]

ZELA’s Deputy Director in a-no-holds-barred interview with Open Parly ZW

1. Who is Zela and what is the nature of your work in Zimbabwe? ZELA is a public interest environmental law group that seeks to promote environmental justice, good natural resources management and community benefits. We help communities, Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders through research, legal education, litigation and advocacy at local, national and […]

The 2020 Manicaland PAMI Declaration

The impact of COVID-19 on the extractives sector: Amplifying community voices in fighting inequality and mining related injustices Dated: 15 August 2020 On the15th of August 2020, the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association(ZELA), Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development(ZIMCODD) and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches(ZCC) brought together more than 50 participants comprising of local traditional leaders, […]

Embrace social media tools to promote transparency and accountability, citizens urged

By Clarity Sibanda-Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media and Broadcasting Services, Prince Sibanda has called on the citizens to embrace social media tools to complement advocacy efforts while emphasising that when effectively used these tools can be resourceful technologies in promoting good governance in the country’s natural resources sector. […]

COVID-19: MINING SECTOR AND COMMUNITIES’ SITUATIONAL REPORT (SIT-REP)

State of Play in Artisanal, Small-Scale and Large-Scale Mining Areas Compiled by Shamiso Mtisi, Joyce Nyamukunda, Nobuhle Mabhikwa, Joshua Machinga and Paul Matshona 1.0          Introduction Over the past four months, we have waited for COVID-19 to abate. The lockdown was indefinitely extended, with some relaxations in June 2020. It’s now the end of July, the […]

Human Rights Obligations of Chinese Investors In Zimbabwe: A Focus on the Mining Sector

Compiled by Josephine Chiname-Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Introduction Over the past decade, China has emerged as a global political and economic power.[1] It has become Africa’s largest trading partner and has signed bilateral ties with 45 African countries.  48 out of the 54 African countries have established diplomatic ties with China.[2] Between 2005 and 2017 […]

How it all started: ZELA’s Background and Growth Trajectory

Compiled by Mutuso Dhliwayo-Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association This is a continuation of last week’s edition which can be accessed here ORGANISATIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT ZELA ‘s breakthrough in terms of laying the foundation for organizational growth and development came in 2003 when it received an institutional grant from the Ford Foundation Office for Southern Africa […]

Mimosa mining company reaches out to the community

Compiled by Kudakwashe Zivera Mimosa mining company on 21/07/2020 once again enabled citizen participation by calling stakeholders for an EIA consultation meeting  for an expansion of a tailings dam and opening of a new shaft at North hill. The meeting was attended by the local Chief,DDC ,RRDC,government departments and the CLC.We had a tailings  dam […]