Communities must hold mining firm accountable - Min Moyo

The Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development Freddy Moyo has told mining stakeholders that communities have a right to know all activities taking place in their  localities.

Moyo said all stakeholders must deal in a way that none is prejudiced adding that resource nationalism is driven by communities hence their voice is pivotal.

Moyo told guests at mining a conference in Bulawayo today.

The conference runs under the theme "Creating shared value in the mining sector through engagement with people, business and government".

He said the major challenge in the mining sector is one of striking a balance among all affected parties in mining, namely the mining firms, government and communities to ensure they all benefit.

"Society has a right to know about the mining activities in their areas, investors deserve their returns and government makes decisions as well," said Moyo.

Most communities are being cheated of their resources by mining firms as they do not plough back part of their revenue.

He said communities should have structures for engagement; understand workings of government and business.

According to Moyo, Government is a willing partner to engage in discussions on mining sector transparency accountability.

He said government is aware of expectations from all stakeholders and is working to ensure that the nation benefits from the exploitation of mineral resources.

The 2015 Zimbabwe Provincial Alternative Mining Indabas (ZAMI) conference seek to provide an alternative space for stakeholders to discuss some of the opportunities and challenges in Zimbabwe's mining sector and the impacts of mining on community livelihoods, human rights and environmental sustainability among others; and how these can be addressed.