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Hwange locals marginalised in coal mining rights
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Only three residents from Hwange currently hold mining rights in the coal-rich district of Matabeleland North, raising alarm over the systematic exclusion of locals from the region's lucrative mining sector.
This revelation was made by Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, in Parliament last week while responding to questions from Hwange East Member of Parliament Joseph Bonda.
Bonda had inquired about the level of participation by local women and youth in mining activities and the number of Hwange residents who hold mining rights and concessions in the district.
In response, Kambamura admitted that local ownership was exceedingly limited.
"There are three women and 17 youths who are shareholders in the mines," he said. "A total of three Hwange residents hold mining rights and concessions in the Hwange District. These are Murowe, Sunrise Chilota Mining, and Makomwe Transport and Hardware."
The statistics have sparked concern among community members and observers, who allege that locals are being sidelined in favour of outside investors, despite Hwange's wealth in coal and other mineral resources.
In light of the exclusion, Kambamura stated that the government is undertaking several reforms aimed at improving inclusivity within the sector. Key among these is the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, which is intended to address long-standing issues such as gender disparities and barriers to mining license access for disadvantaged groups.
He also cited the planned implementation of the Cadastre system, a digital land management platform, which is expected to streamline the allocation of mining rights, reduce disputes, and make the licensing process more transparent.
Additionally, the deputy minister highlighted ongoing government initiatives to support the involvement of women and youth in mining, including financial assistance and capacity-building programs.
"The National Youth Policy (2020–2025) outlines strategic interventions for youth development, including their involvement in national development initiatives like mining," Kambamura said.
The government has also pledged to promote community share ownership schemes, aimed at ensuring that local communities — particularly women and young people — derive tangible benefits from mining operations in their areas.
Despite these assurances, critics argue that progress remains slow and that immediate action is needed to prevent further marginalisation of Hwange's residents, who continue to watch the region's mineral wealth being extracted with little direct benefit to their livelihoods.
This revelation was made by Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura, in Parliament last week while responding to questions from Hwange East Member of Parliament Joseph Bonda.
Bonda had inquired about the level of participation by local women and youth in mining activities and the number of Hwange residents who hold mining rights and concessions in the district.
In response, Kambamura admitted that local ownership was exceedingly limited.
"There are three women and 17 youths who are shareholders in the mines," he said. "A total of three Hwange residents hold mining rights and concessions in the Hwange District. These are Murowe, Sunrise Chilota Mining, and Makomwe Transport and Hardware."
The statistics have sparked concern among community members and observers, who allege that locals are being sidelined in favour of outside investors, despite Hwange's wealth in coal and other mineral resources.
In light of the exclusion, Kambamura stated that the government is undertaking several reforms aimed at improving inclusivity within the sector. Key among these is the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, which is intended to address long-standing issues such as gender disparities and barriers to mining license access for disadvantaged groups.
He also cited the planned implementation of the Cadastre system, a digital land management platform, which is expected to streamline the allocation of mining rights, reduce disputes, and make the licensing process more transparent.
Additionally, the deputy minister highlighted ongoing government initiatives to support the involvement of women and youth in mining, including financial assistance and capacity-building programs.
"The National Youth Policy (2020–2025) outlines strategic interventions for youth development, including their involvement in national development initiatives like mining," Kambamura said.
The government has also pledged to promote community share ownership schemes, aimed at ensuring that local communities — particularly women and young people — derive tangible benefits from mining operations in their areas.
Despite these assurances, critics argue that progress remains slow and that immediate action is needed to prevent further marginalisation of Hwange's residents, who continue to watch the region's mineral wealth being extracted with little direct benefit to their livelihoods.
Source - Southern Eye
