The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development (IGF), in collaboration with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, hosted a 4-day workshop in Harare focused on environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) in the mining sector. The primary objectives were to analyze Zimbabwe’s ESIA legal and institutional framework using the Mining ESIA Tool (MET), promote inter-ministerial dialogue on ESIA, and identify key priorities for enhancing mining sustainability in the country.
The workshop employed a participatory approach, encouraging active learning and engagement. The first day began with a keynote address by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, followed by introductions and an overview of mining and environmental challenges in Zimbabwe. The second day delved into detailed analysis and questions to gather input from participants. The final 2 days focused on targeted training modules, addressing gaps identified earlier.
Key training areas included environmental and social management plans, monitoring, inspections, compliance auditing, stakeholder engagement, and climate change risk assessment. The workshop brought together 26 participants from various institutions, including the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Zimbabwe Geological Survey, and Environmental Management Agency, with a gender-balanced representation.
The workshop concluded with actionable recommendations to strengthen Zimbabwe’s ESIA framework to improve environmental governance and inter-ministerial coordination in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.