ZIMBABWE is not deriving full benefitsfrom vast mineral resources because of poorly negotiated contracts and corruption, the chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy yesterday said. MTHANDAZO NYONI OWN CORRESPONDENT
Addressing delegates at the ongoing third edition of the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (Zami) at a Bulawayo hotel yesterday, Lovemore Matuke said Zimbabwe was well endowed with many mineral resources, but the sector remained relatively weak because of corruption.
Matuke said their recent countrywide fact-finding mission had helped his committee understand the alarming depth of deplorable working conditions for miners.
He said established mines were not making enough social investments to assist communities affected by their operations while others were operating below par and not making any meaningful contribution to the country’s economy.
“We visited Shamva, Kadoma and Gwanda where a lot of gold mining activities are taking place,” Matuke said.
“The visit made it clear to us as legislators that the country is well endowed with many minerals, but the challenges we face are even much bigger.”
He cited poorly negotiated mining contracts in the country as a major drawback to the full development of the sector.
“This therefore means that there is bona fide need for well negotiated contracts between government and investors in the sector,” Matuke said.
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“Well negotiated contracts, proper use and management of mineral revenues will ensure that the country derives maximum tangible benefits for both the present and future generations.”
Addressing the same indaba, Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association director Mutuso Dhliwayo said Zami should provide mechanisms to deal with challenges plagueing the mining sector.
Dhliwayo lamented the failure by the government to enact the new and comprehensive Mines and Minerals Act aimed at replacing the outdated Act.
He said consultations were done for the new Mines and Mineral Act in 2012, but there were efforts being made to erode the views gathered during consultations.
“We are now towards the end of 2014 and it appears as if the draft mineral policy is now dead and buried.
“And to our surprise and disappointment, we hear that the Mines and Mineral Amendment Bill of 2007 has been dusted and resuscitated,” Dhliwayo said.
“Rather than focusing on the development of a new Act, we hear the government’s preferred modus operandi is the amendment of the Mines and Minerals Act.
“The shortcomings of the Mines and Mineral Act are so huge to the extent that patching it will not address them.”
Zami drew people from mining communities, legislators, representatives of different government departments, mining companies as well as speakers from South Africa, Zambia and Angola. The two-day indaba is being held under the theme “Communities aloud: Fighting corruption to promote transparency and accountability”.
