Compiled by Tatenda Mapooze

In 2015, 196 parties signed the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. This global commitment has significant implications for the mining industry, beyond just the impacts of climate change itself[1]. Climate change effects are already noticeable and are expected to worsen, with increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. Human activity, particularly the widespread consumption of fossil fuels, has been the main driver of climate change. Thus, calls for countries to shift towards a low-carbon economy which is characterized by a shift from fossil fuels to solar, wind, hydro and other renewable energy sources, have intensified.

The mining industry plays a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon economy because the transition requires large amounts of metals and raw materials that the mining industry must supply. As such, the sector occupies a position at the start of the resource supply chain for many other industries. Managed well, mining creates jobs for both low and high skilled workers which can spur innovation and bring investment as well as infrastructure at game-changing scales over time. However, this increased demand for certain minerals and metals, like those needed for renewable energy production and battery technologies, also presents challenges for the industry.

Historically, mining has often been assessed primarily for its economic contributions, neglecting its broader enviro-social impacts and associated costs. To address these issues, mining companies must adapt their practices to mitigate their environmental footprint and respond to changing conditions[2]. Embracing sustainable mining practices is crucial to prevent exacerbating climate change challenges, such as resource conflicts and threats to local communities and ecosystems. Achieving sustainable development in the mining sector requires collective action from all stakeholders, including mining companies, governments, civil society organizations, and local communities. However, significant information gaps exist among these groups. To close these gaps, enhancing collaboration is essential. The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is actively addressing this need by facilitating a Community of Practice (CoP) on Critical Minerals, a platform that brings together stakeholders from diverse mining communities to share experiences, exchange knowledge, collaborate, learn from one another and share innovative solutions to drive sustainable development and responsible mining practices.

The primary goal of ZELA’s Community of Practice (CoP) on Critical Minerals is to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders within the mining industry. By creating a platform where diverse voices can be heard and experiences shared, the CoP aims to address the environmental, social, and economic challenges associated with mining activities. This initiative, therefore, aims to promote sustainable mining practices and advocate for the protection of the environment and human rights within mining communities. Using the insights and expertise shared within the CoP, ZELA has been able to leverage collective knowledge to create actionable solutions to the issues identified.

A vital space for community members, civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and other key stakeholders to voice their concerns about mining activities and collaborate on sustainable solutions the CoP also serves as a forum where participants in the extractive industry can convene, share experiences, and discuss best practices within the critical minerals sector. By facilitating knowledge exchange, the platform helps stakeholders enhance their capacity and address challenges encountered in their daily operations. It advocates for the mining sector to make a positive long-term impact while prioritizing the protection of the environment and human rights. Consequently, the platform addresses environmental issues, human rights concerns—specifically related to environmental, economic, and socio-cultural rights—and broader social challenges arising from mining activities.

The CoP provides an approach that focuses on people and the social structures that enable them to learn with and from each other, both virtually and through face-to-face meetings. By embracing sustainable practices, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and playing a pivotal role in the low-carbon transition, the mining industry can contribute positively to global efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. To realise the immense potential benefits for the environment, local communities, and industry, concerted efforts from all parties involved is required.

[1] The Impacts of Climate Change on the Mining Sector | International Institute for Sustainable Development (iisd.org)

[2] Extracting_Good_Practices_Summary.pdf (undp.org)