Citizens and civil society groups have raised concerns over transparency, community rights and environmental protection in Zimbabwe’s mining sector during public discussions on the proposed Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill (2025).
The dialogue, organised by Transparency International Zimbabwe in Mutare, brought together community members and stakeholders to provide input into ongoing reforms of the country’s mining legislation.
Zimbabwe holds some of the world’s largest reserves of minerals such as platinum, lithium, chrome and gold, with the mining sector contributing around 12–15 percent of gross domestic product and accounting for more than 70 percent of export earnings, according to government statistics.
Despite this contribution, communities in resource-rich areas often report limited local benefits and environmental damage linked to mining operations.
Participants at the dialogue said the proposed legislation should clearly define how communities in mining areas benefit from resource extraction.
“Communities in mining areas must receive clear, enforceable benefits from mineral resources, with revenue sharing and local development commitments clearly defined in law,” participants said during the engagement.
Citizens also raised concerns about the allocation of mining licences, warning that opaque processes can create opportunities for corruption and elite capture.
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Calls were made for greater transparency in the licensing system and easier public access to information about mining contracts and operations.
“Citizens must have access to information about mining activities taking place in their areas, including licensing and environmental obligations,” participants said.
Environmental protection emerged as another major concern, with communities highlighting cases of land degradation, water pollution and abandoned pits in some mining districts.
Participants urged lawmakers to strengthen legal provisions requiring companies to rehabilitate land and prevent environmental damage.
Zimbabwe has witnessed rapid expansion in mining in recent years, particularly in the lithium sector driven by global demand for battery minerals. However, governance experts say regulatory frameworks have struggled to keep pace with the pace of investment.
Concerns were also raised about displacement of communities, loss of agricultural land and limited consultation before mining projects are approved, issues that residents say should be addressed through stronger legal protections.
The discussions form part of consultations aimed at shaping the amended mining law to promote transparency, responsible resource governance and sustainable development in a sector widely regarded as central to Zimbabwe’s economic future.
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