Tracy Mutowekuziva, the programmes manager at the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), has called for a redefinition of sustainable mining to ensure Zimbabwe derives greater benefits from its vast mineral resources. There has been a growing shift away from the traditional extractive model towards value addition, aiming to maximise the country’s natural wealth, which remains its primary source of foreign currency.
Speaking after attending South Africa’s prominent mining conferences—the African Mining Indaba and the 16th edition of the Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI)—Mutowekuziva highlighted the disconnect between business interests and human rights approaches within the mining sector. Both conferences, which took place recently, provided an opportunity for discussions surrounding these issues.
Mutowekuziva pointed out that while comparing the two events, it became clear that there is still much to be done to define the true essence of sustainable mining, if such a concept even exists.
Mutowekuziva stressed that as these issues remain unresolved, civil society must continue to engage in essential dialogues to address the challenges. However, CNRG has encountered significant resistance in efforts to balance the economic benefits of mining with the protection of human rights, the environment, and community interests. Mining corporations and corrupt governments have been obstacles to meaningful reform in this area.
During her participation at the Alternative Mining Indaba, Mutowekuziva moderated a panel discussion titled “Unearthing the Truth: Addressing Inequality and Environmental Justice,” which explored critical issues, including how communities bear the negative external costs of mining.
One of the notable sessions featured a documentary titled Critical to Who?, produced by CNRG, which highlighted the socio-ecological consequences of lithium extraction in the Bikita district of Masvingo Province. The documentary exposed the hidden costs of lithium mining and became a platform for CNRG and its partners to advocate for significant changes in the extractive sector.
“The Alternative Mining Indaba 2025 marked a crucial moment for stakeholders in the mining industry,” said Ndaizivei Garura, a senior programmes officer at CNRG.
Garura emphasised that communities affected by mining must have a voice in decisions that significantly impact their lives. “CNRG actively engages grassroots movements in areas such as Hwange, Marange, and Penhalonga, and their concerns were central to the discussions at AMI,” Garura concluded.
