Environmental Justice in Motion: Government Cracks Down With ‘Polluter Pays’ After Mining Ban
The government has intensified its crackdown on alluvial gold mining through the enforcement of Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, with most provinces reporting significant progress in shutting down illegal operations.
The campaign, aimed at curbing environmental degradation, has now shifted focus to rehabilitating damaged ecosystems—placing the cost of restoration squarely on those responsible.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana, confirmed the development on X, stating: “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.’”
To ensure accountability and environmental justice, the government is moving swiftly to reinforce the Polluter Pays Principle by introducing new regulations and strengthening the existing legislative framework.
Mangwana added: “To enforce this aspect, the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’ shall be strengthened through the development of appropriate regulations and the strengthening of the existing legislative framework.”
According to Ignite Media Zimbabwe, the legislative reforms are being expedited in response to growing public concern over the long-term impact of alluvial mining on rivers, wetlands, and surrounding communities.
The move signals a decisive shift toward sustainable resource management and a zero-tolerance stance on environmental violations.
With rehabilitation efforts now underway, authorities say the new legal measures will not only hold polluters accountable but also serve as a deterrent to future environmental crimes.
The initiative is expected to restore ecological balance and reinforce the country’s commitment to responsible mining practices.
