Mining experts advocate for code of conduct
EXPERTS in the mining sector have called for the establishment of local grading standards to distinguish between small, medium, and large-scale operations. The initiative aims to facilitate funding for the sector and attract investors to relevant sub-sectors.
This was highlighted during a recent technical visit to Waterwitch Mine in Inyathi, organised by the Junior Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe (JCMZ). In an interview, JCMZ secretary-general Mr Dosman Mangisi said the grading standards should serve as a code of conduct template, helping miners understand what is expected of them. He noted that this would also aid in the accreditation of mining experts, including engineers, geologists, lawyers, and others who provide services in the mining sector.
“Currently, it’s a one-size-fits-all in Zimbabwe, which makes it difficult for financiers to fund or even understand the mining industry. This will also bridge the gap between local miners and foreign investors.
“When international investors come to Zimbabwe, they should be interviewed to determine the scale at which they want to invest. This should cover ethics on health and safety, mining regulations, the Mines and Minerals Act, and financial expectations for small, medium, and large-scale operations,” said Mr Mangisi.
Mr Mangisi suggested that institutions of higher learning should develop curricula aligned with these established codes of conduct, ensuring that their training is relevant to the industry. Recently, an expert in mining launched a handbook designed to promote sustainable and ethical mining practices in Zimbabwe. The book aims to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into Zimbabwe’s mining industry, contributing to long-term economic growth, environmental protection, and improved livelihoods for local communities.
During the technical visit, the guest of honour, How Mine manager Engineer Nkosini Ntini, remarked: “International reporting standards or codes are the best, but now that we are not able to meet them, what do we do? Maybe it’s time we develop something of our own that we can understand and scrutinise.”
Engineer Ntini highlighted the potential within the sector, emphasising the critical role of the financial sector in funding mining operations. He noted that small and medium-scale mining significantly contributes to the economy, with the primary challenge being funding.
“A lot of potential is locked in failing to secure adequate funding for our mining projects. Lack of funding contributes to poor safety and environmental performance; we build mines to improve people’s lives, not to take them away, and to benefit the environment, not to degrade it.
“We demand responsible mining and I implore the sector to hire adequate skills to enhance safety, environmental, and legal compliance.”
Mining continues to be the backbone of the Zimbabwean economy, with small-scale producers leading in gold deliveries. This has prompted the Government to take deliberate actions to empower small-scale miners, with calls to formalise their operations. Additionally, the need to add value and beneficiate minerals is gaining momentum, with the Government introducing policy frameworks to ban the export of certain raw minerals, including lithium. —-herald
