Balance mining growth with environmental protection, other sectors: Wushe
CHENGETAI MURIMWA
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Thomas Utete Wushe, has stressed that mining activities must be pursued in a manner that protects the environment and safeguards other productive sectors of the economy.
Speaking at a WWF Zimbabwe event on sustainable mining and environmental stewardship, Wushe said although the mining industry presents significant economic opportunities, its extractive nature places increasing pressure on land, water resources, biodiversity and local communities.
“Mining activities must not undermine our long-term environmental integrity or other productive sectors of the economy. Although these trade-offs are real, they must be confronted and not ignored,” he said.
Wushe said Zimbabwe’s development agenda seeks to ensure that the country’s vast mineral wealth contributes to broad-based economic growth while preserving natural resources for future generations.
He said government remains committed to pursuing inclusive and environmentally responsible growth.
“Zimbabwe will not pursue growth at any cost. Our mineral wealth must drive tangible national development, uplift communities and guarantee a long-term environmentally sustainable future for the country,” he said.
As Zimbabwe advances towards its Vision 2030 objective of attaining upper-middle-income status, Wushe said policy interventions must ensure that mining coexists harmoniously with agriculture, tourism and other sectors that depend on healthy ecosystems.
He said government has a responsibility to balance competing interests through sound policies, effective regulation and strong accountability systems.
“The role of government is clear. It is to ensure that these trade-offs are managed in the national interest, guided by clear policy, enforced regulation and accountable institutions,” he said.
Wushe revealed that the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is finalising a modern legislative framework aligned with international best practices to enhance transparency, improve the ease of doing business and strengthen environmental compliance.
He also underscored the importance of value addition and beneficiation, saying Zimbabwe is determined to move beyond the export of raw minerals by developing a complete mining value chain capable of creating jobs and stimulating industrial growth.
Wushe called on development partners to support reforms that promote sustainable mining while protecting nature and improving livelihoods in mining communities.
“Communities must see mining not as a disruption imposed upon them, but as a driver of opportunity and improved livelihoods,” he said.
He added that sustainable mining requires investment in local infrastructure, skills development and enterprise growth to ensure communities derive direct benefits from the country’s mineral resources.
Wushe pledged continued government support for sustainable mining initiatives, saying collaboration among government, industry, communities and development partners will be essential to ensuring that the sector drives economic transformation without compromising Zimbabwe’s environmental heritage.
