Zimbabwe to Make ESG Compliance Mandatory for Mining Rights
Zimbabwe's government is making environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance a mandatory requirement for mining rights and renewals. Officials emphasized that companies must provide tangible evidence of their impact rather than just paperwork.
Why it matters
This policy shift signals a growing trend in emerging markets to hold extractive industries accountable for their environmental and social footprints.
Mines and Mining Development Minister, Polite Kambamura says environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance will soon become a mandatory requirement for companies seeking mining rights, renewals and extensions.
Kambamura said the government was moving towards an evidence-based approach to ESG, with mining companies expected to demonstrate tangible results rather than simply produce paperwork.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Agrictural Show – Minex National ESG Conference, Minister Kambamura said the mining industry had to account for its environmental and social impact as the country sought to expand mineral production.
“I will talk of evidence… Evidence of ESGs that we are actually implementing. Not paperwork, but evidence. An evidence-driven approach,” he said.
He said mining sector had performed strongly in the first half of 2026, recording mineral exports of about US$5.73bn.
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