OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF MINING ON THE ... - IIED pubs

siting of works plan for approval to the mining commissioner. This plan should also show rivers, hills and other
natural features. Section 236 allows for the lodging of objections within 21 days of their notification by the
mining commissioner. It should be noted that the miner may carry out certain works before the plan is
submitted. These works can include residential accommodation, roads and dumps.
There are several other sections within the Act that could be construed as rehabilitation regulations, but these
were largely developed with safety in mind (Table 2.7).
Table 2.7: Sections of the Mines And Minerals Act (1996) relevant to environmental protection in Zimbabwe.
Section Comment
267 The miner may remove buildings and machinery from an abandoned, forfeited or
cancelled mining location.
269 The miner is required to fill in all shafts, open surface workings and excavations or
to deal with them otherwise to ensure the safety of people and livestock. This
should be done within 30 days of abandonment.
311 Timber on “Town Lands” cannot be cut without permission of the Mining
Commissioner.
312 Water from mining operations on “Town Lands” shall not pollute surface water with
mine water – but it must be disposed of in the nearest natural water channel.
370 Prospectors are required to fence or enclose the mouths of all shafts and other
open surface workings for the protection of people and livestock. He should
maintain these during the period that prospecting is continuing.
403 The minister can make regulations as deemed expedient regarding safety,
sanitation, housing and feeding of employees, welfare etc; amongst other
administrative matters.
The Act also recognises the powers of the Water Court, especially if it affects public water or irrigation projects.
2.9.2.2 Mining (Alluvial Gold) (Public Streams) Regulations, 1991 (SI 275/1991)
This statutory Instrument contains some environmental safeguards and is aimed at controlling the activities of
small scale panning locations. These include the distance of workings from the stream bank (3 metres), the
depth of unsupported workings (1.5 metres) and the use of machinery - which must be authorised by an
inspector of mines in consultation with the provincial natural resources officer.
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