The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) has described the upcoming European Union (EU)–Zimbabwe Business Forum as a key moment to promote more responsible and community focused investment in the country’s mining industry.
The forum which will run from 20 to 22 May 2025 in Harare, is being organised by the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, EU member states and local partners including the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), ZimTrade, and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI).
The forum aims to build stronger economic ties between Zimbabwe and Europe by encouraging trade, reducing risks for investors and bringing together businesses and government representatives to share ideas.
ZELA says it will use the event to showcase its 20-year history of pushing for responsible mining and making sure that mining companies follow environmental and social rules and that communities benefit from the resources in their areas.
“This forum is a big opportunity to show how responsible mining — with proper environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards — can attract investment that truly benefits local communities,” said ZELA’s Deputy Director, Shamiso Mtisi.
Over the years, ZELA has worked to connect communities, investors, and government officials.
ZELA has also played a leading role in improving small-scale mining in Zimbabwe, especially gold mining. It developed a “Responsible Sourcing Toolkit” to help small miners work more safely, trace where their gold comes from, and meet EU rules on ethical sourcing.
The organisation has even helped Zimbabwean communities take part in global certification schemes.
One of the highlights was helping Unki Mine, owned by Anglo American, earn a top rating under the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA).
Earlier this month, ZELA took part in two major global events — the OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains in Paris and the Kimberley Process meeting in Dubai.
“Bringing in foreign investment is important, but it has to be done in a way that respects people and the environment. If we stick to ESG standards, Zimbabwe’s mining sector can be both competitive and fair — and ZELA is ready to support that journey,” Mtisi said
ZELA will at the forum present research, practical tools, and its role in supporting government-led Responsible Mining Audits rolled out in 2023 and 2024 — a system designed to check that mining operations are legal, safe and environmentally sound.
