Lessons from Zimbabwe for best practice for small‐ and medium‐scale mines

Abstract

Mining has played a vital role in the economy of Zimbabwe from pre‐colonial times, with the emphasis on gold. Although about 80 percent of Zimbabwe's production comes from major mining groups, the complex geology of the country ‐ in particular the gold geology ‐ coupled with an exceptionally liberal mining law, has led to a large number of small formal underground mining operations. In addition artisanal gold winning in river beds and along the river banks has become widespread since independence. The mining regulations require only that on closure there is a degree of clean‐up and protection of openings to the satisfaction of the landowner and the mines inspector before the site can be abandoned. However, these have been recently strengthened with the promulgation of guidelines requiring Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Management Systems to be implemented on larger mines. Although the resources for regulation are inadequate, public pressure has caused the formal sector to develop a self‐regulatory pattern.