“Energy Transition Minerals: Putting Communities First for an Inclusive Feminist Future.”

We, the 37 participants of the Manicaland Provincial Alternative Mining Indaba (PAMI) with diverse representation including community members, faith-based organizations, NGOs, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, government ministries and departments, and the academia, gathered here in Mutare on April 10, 2024:

Recognizing the urgent need to address challenges in natural resource governance, particularly in Manicaland Province, and to promote sustainable and equitable mining practices.

Noting that rich natural resources in Manicaland Province offer potential for sustainable socio-economic development.

• That challenges such as corruption, irresponsible mining practices, and resource leakages undermine this potential, leading to displacement and environmental degradation, particularly in Manicaland Province.
• The critical active role that traditional leaders need to play in the preservation and governance of natural resources.

Cognizant of the importance of solidarity and collaboration among all stakeholders, including government, civil society, the private sector, and faith communities, to promote responsible natural resource governance and reduce inequalities.

• The significance of partnerships and networks between youth groups, civil society organizations, government agencies, and the private sector to enhance youth participation and collaboration in natural resource management.
• The critical importance of public participation in mineral resource governance, and the meaningful engagement of all stakeholders, including affected communities, civil society organizations, government bodies, and the private sector, in ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable development in the mining sector.

Deeply concerned by the rise in crime rates, gang violence, moral decadence, environmental degradation, water pollution and substance abuse linked to mining activities that is adversely impacting community well-being.

• The lack of consultations on key developments related to mining in Manicaland Province, thereby alienating the local population and undermining their rights.
• The outdated mining laws and land tenure systems lacking adequate protection of the rights of local communities and failing to address their concerns, particularly regarding compensation and ancestral land rights.
• Lack of funds allocation for youth boards to monitor mining activities in mining areas including in the government offices.

Reaffirming that the principles of justice and equity in the governance of natural resources should be upheld, ensuring all members of society, especially marginalized and vulnerable communities, benefit equitably from the exploitation of these resources.

• Commitment to protecting the environment as a sacred duty, ensuring mining activities are conducted in a manner that minimizes harm to the ecosystem and preserves the integrity of creation.
• Ensuring inclusive and meaningful youth representation in all levels of decision-making related to natural resource management, including in policy formulation and implementation.

Advocating for transparency and accountability through access to information about mining activities, holding duty bearers accountable for their actions, and ensuring they are responsive to the needs and concerns of the public.

Promoting public participation in environmental impact assessments and monitoring processes to ensure mining activities are conducted in a manner that protects the environment and human health.

Recommend the following:

• Civil society and community-based organizations to raise awareness about the importance of legislative and policy reforms in the natural resource sector for economic recovery and development, advocating for reforms that promote responsible mining practices.
• Civil society and community-based organisations to strengthen engagement between duty bearers (government officials, mining companies) and mining communities to ensure the voices of local communities are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
• Community leaders to ensure collaboration and co-creation of solutions and recommendations to challenges and gaps in translating natural resource wealth and potential into people-centered development.
• Civil society and community-based organisations to implement capacity-building programs for stakeholders, especially local communities, and civil society organizations, to enhance their understanding of natural resource governance and their ability to participate effectively.
• Community leaders to establish mechanisms for resolving conflicts that may arise between different stakeholders in the mining sector, ensuring disputes are addressed in a fair and transparent manner.
• Rural District Councils to ensure the development and adoption of clear action plans on how they will build resilience, and engage with duty bearers, including specific policy recommendations for reforming the natural resource sector.

Going forward

We will continue upholding these principles to create a more inclusive and transparent mineral resource governance framework that benefits all stakeholders and contributes to sustainable development in Manicaland Province and beyond. Thus, we call upon all stakeholders to work tirelessly to promote these principles in communities as they offer a path towards a more just and sustainable future for all.