Published: 19 June 2026

Zimbabwe's mining companies have been warned that failure to comply with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards could shut them out of international markets and deter investors, as the Government ramps up efforts to position the country as a responsible and competitive mining destination.

Speaking at the Sustainability and ESG Symposium held during the Chamber of Mines Annual Conference in Victoria Falls on Tuesday, Chief Director of Mining Development Engineer Leon Godza said ESG compliance had become a critical requirement for doing business in the global mining industry.

"ESG compliance is no longer optional. It has moved from a voluntary standard to a decisive factor in trade, investment, and market access," Godza said.

He noted that sweeping regulatory changes in major markets, including the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and China's growing focus on mandatory ESG disclosures, were reshaping expectations for mining companies worldwide.

"Our mining companies, whether they are large-scale producers or small-scale producers, must understand this reality. Buyers and investors the world over are applying ESG screens to their supply chains. A failure to meet these standards is no longer just a reputational risk; it is increasingly a commercial and market access risk," he said.

The warning comes as Zimbabwe's mining sector continues to record strong growth. Gold production reached a record 46.7 tonnes in 2025, up from 36.5 tonnes in 2024, underlining the sector's growing contribution to the economy.

Describing mining as the backbone of Zimbabwe's economic development strategy, Godza said the industry's success carried an obligation to ensure that mineral resources were exploited responsibly and sustainably.

"These are extraordinary numbers and they place a solemn responsibility on all of us to ensure this wealth is managed with integrity, transparency and care for both people and planet," he said.

Godza highlighted a number of policy reforms designed to strengthen ESG practices across the mining sector. Chief among these is the Mines and Minerals Bill, gazetted in 2025, which seeks to modernise Zimbabwe's mining legislation.

Under the proposed framework, large-scale mining companies would be required to obtain social responsibility certificates demonstrating meaningful community engagement, fair labour practices and respect for local cultural interests.

The legislation is also expected to strengthen penalties for environmental violations and failure to rehabilitate mined-out land.

"The Responsible Mining Initiative reinforces legally binding penalties, including the potential loss of mining titles, for companies that fail to meet environmental standards or rehabilitate mined-out land. This is not mere rhetoric; it is enforcement with teeth," Godza said.

He also pointed to the Government's February 2026 decision to ban exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrates as part of efforts to increase domestic beneficiation and value addition.

"Zimbabwe captures more of the value chain, not just the raw ore," he said.

While acknowledging that larger mining houses have made greater progress in ESG reporting and sustainability practices, Godza urged smaller operators not to delay implementation.

"Progress does not require perfection. Incremental steps, improving governance structures, tracking environmental impacts, strengthening stakeholder engagement, can deliver meaningful gains," he said.

The symposium also heard calls for mining companies to deepen their contribution to local communities through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and enterprise development.

"The communities that host our mines must see tangible benefits: jobs, infrastructure, schools, clinics, and opportunities for local enterprise," Godza said.

He further reaffirmed Government's commitment to formalising artisanal and small-scale miners as part of broader efforts to improve accountability, environmental stewardship and livelihoods within the sector.

With global demand for critical minerals such as lithium, platinum, gold, chrome and diamonds expected to increase as countries transition to cleaner energy technologies, Godza said Zimbabwe was well-positioned to benefit from the shift.

"Wealth alone is not destiny. How we manage that wealth, with responsibility, transparency, sustainability, and equity, will determine whether mining truly transforms Zimbabwe," he said.

The symposium brought together policymakers, mining executives, civil society representatives and researchers to discuss sustainability reporting, responsible mining practices and the future of ESG implementation across Zimbabwe's mining industry.
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