Mining and the Environment – Small Scale Miners urged to adopt sustainability
Tawanda Muzamwese
Mining is a key enabler of socio-economic development in both developed and developing countries. It is also a key source of generating foreign currency. However, if mining activities are carried out without environmental and social impact assessment, there is a risk of environmental degradation.
The Green Business Gazette takes a brief analysis of the environmental impact of mining activities in order to raise greater awareness amongst key stakeholders. Environmental degradation, deforestation and air pollution and impacts that should be dealt with by all stakeholders in the mining sector especially emerging mining enterprises.
The exposure to hazardous chemicals is also a key risk especially when it comes to mercury which is used in gold amalgamation. Reckless use of mercury can have toxicological impacts. In as much as we want to increase productivity of mining activity, it is essential that mining and mineral processing be carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Programmes to replace vegetation, fill gullies and restore pristine lands should be well planned. Impacts of mining can also result in drowning of human beings and livestock, if water fills pits that are left unattended.
In order to access investment and financial support, it is imperative that mining operations follow environmental and social management plans. Major financial institutions have made environmental sustainability a condition for releasing funds.
Areas such as Penhalonga, Mazowe and Shurugwi have a hive of small scale mining activities and the clarion call is to ensure that sustainable mining is espoused into their activities. The analysis carried out by the Green Business Gazette in Penhalonga noted concern in the level of environmental degradation and implores training and capacity building in responsible mining activities. In order to ensure sustainable socio-economic development in the country, it is necessary to promote environmentally friendly mining.
Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including:
1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency
2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field
3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems
4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series
5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front
Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship.
His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives.
A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.
