Govt strengthens 'polluter pays principle for 'mining rehab

The Government is intensifying enforcement of the "Polluter Pays Principle" to ensure mining companies and individuals responsible for environmental degradation take full responsibility for rehabilitating affected ecosystems.

Speaking to the media after this week's Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the principle will be reinforced through new regulations and improvements to existing legislation.

"The enforcement of Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024 is ongoing, with most provinces reporting significant progress in operations to eliminate alluvial mining," Dr Muswere said.
"Since alluvial mining has largely ceased, attention has now shifted to the rehabilitation of degraded sites, with liability for the rehabilitation being borne by the perpetrators through the 'Polluter Pays Principle'."

Dr Muswere confirmed that no alluvial mining sites requiring rehabilitation were identified in Matabeleland North, Masvingo, Bulawayo and Harare provinces, while other regions have made significant strides in curbing illegal mining activities.

He added that the Government will continue to intensify monitoring, evaluation, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance, with legislative reforms being expedited to guarantee environmental justice and public accountability.

"The legislative reform shall be expedited to ensure environmental justice and accountability in view of public interest," Dr Muswere said, highlighting the Government's commitment to protecting natural resources while holding polluters responsible.