By Takudzwa Tondoya
Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando, says the government is advancing legislative reforms through the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill to ensure that mining companies plough back into the communities they operate from.
Chitando was responding to Guruve North legislator Tendai Pinduka, who had asked what the Ministry is doing to ensure mining firms contribute to local development.
“The Ministry is actively enhancing mechanisms to ensure that mining companies contribute meaningfully to local communities where they operate, as exemplified by Eureka Gold Mine in Guruve.
“To achieve this, the Ministry is advancing legislative reforms through the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, which explicitly mandates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a legal obligation for mining entities,” said Chitando.
He said whilst current laws mandates royalty payments to the state, it does not legally bind companies to undertake CSR initiatives such as building community infrastructure, supporting education or improving healthcare.
“Under the existing Act, there are no explicit provisions requiring mining companies to undertake CSR activities. CSR has largely been voluntary, with companies like Eureka Gold Mine setting a precedent by independently investing in local schools, roads, and water infrastructure,” Chitando said.
He said the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill will introduce binding CSR obligations.
“Companies will be required to submit and implement approved CSR plans as a condition for obtaining or renewing mining licenses,” he said.
Chitando further explained that mining firms must negotiate and formalise agreements with local communities to fund projects aligned with community needs—such as clinics, schools and employment opportunities.
“The Amendment Bill seeks to replicate such practices nationwide by making them mandatory, ensuring all mining firms contribute equitably to the socio-economic development of their host communities,” he added.
