Compiled by Batanai Mutasa

As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with challenges posed by the extraction of its rich mineral resources, the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Zimbabwe coalition has urged the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe (COMZ) to prioritize transparency and accountability within the extractive industry. In its latest campaign, the coalition of civil society organizations highlights the pressing need for responsible mining practices that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

The campaign emphasizes the critical role that the Chamber of Mines plays in guiding mining companies to effectively manage and report on ESG risks. Although PWYP Zimbabwe acknowledges the efforts made by some mining companies to implement ESG initiatives and public disclosures, as highlighted in the Chamber’s ‘State of Mining’ reports,  it outlines several ‘key asks’ aimed at ensuring all mining companies are held to a high standard of accountability and sustainability.

“These asks aim to ensure that Zimbabwe’s mining companies meet the expected minimum conditions in mining responsibly and in a sustainable manner, balancing economic benefits with environmental, social and governance concerns and benchmarked with international practices,” reads a statement explaining the expected results of the campaign.

The coalition notes that despite its vast mineral wealth, the Zimbabwean mining sector is plagued by issues related to transparency, environmental degradation, and social discord with local communities. Thus, PWYP Zimbabwe advocates for a transparent framework that ensures the country’s natural resources directly benefit its citizens, rather than contributing to ongoing conflicts and environmental harm.

Consequently, the coalition’s ‘key asks’ include aspects of environmental sustainability, social and economic responsibility, transparency and accountability, concluding with the following recommendations:

• The Chamber to develop an ESG framework for its members.
• The Chamber to categorise compliant and non-compliant companies and develop mechanisms to de-register mining companies for non-compliance.
• The Chamber to encourage its members to adopt external expertise to conduct ESG Audit Reports.
• The Chamber to ensure phased and time bound rehabilitation of mined out areas with transparent initiatives as well as disclosed budgets.
• The Chamber to mandate its members to submit annual performance reports covering aspects of rehabilitation.
• The Chamber must bar its members from procuring goods and services from suppliers who do not have ESG policies.

Download a copy of the key asks here: https://zela.org/download/publish-what-you-pay-pwyp-zimbabwes-key-asks-to-the-chamber-of-mines-on-environmental-social-and-governance-esg/