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

2.9.2.3 Mining (Health and Sanitation) Regulations, 1990 (S1 156/1977)
There are several sections of these regulations that deal with environmental concerns (Table 2.8). It should be
noted that the responsibility for policing the regulations falls to an "Environmental Health Officer" who has to be
registered with the health professions council (Medical, Dental and Allied Professions Act). However, the
regulations fall under the Minister of Mines.
Table 2.8: Mining (Health And Sanitation) regulations with environmental control facets.
Section Comment
5 All mines and dwelling places thereon shall be kept in a sanitary condition and
adequately drained
6 Rubbish (other than mineral refuse) must be deposited on a site approved by an
environmental health officer.
7 Disposal of carcasses
8 Burial sites
9, 10, 11 12,
13
Latrines (1 per family dwelling or 1 per 15 single men) to be approved by an
environmental health officer. Regulation and use of underground latrines. Night soil
removal and disposal.
22 Piped water system to the satisfaction of the environmental health officer. No
polluted water to be used for domestic purposes. Adequate ablution facilities (to
the satisfaction of the environmental health officer).
23 Protection of the water supply for domestic use (due care).
24 Sites for washing clothes to be approved.
2.9.2.4 Environmental Management Policy for the Mining Industry – 1995
The Ministry of Mines issued a second draft of an Environmental Management Policy for the mining industry in
early 1995. The document was in four parts with Part 1 being a brief summary of the existing situation, a
mission statement and some statements on environmental impact assessment, environmental management
plans and guidelines. The mission statement is as follows:
"The Department of Mining Engineering is committed to the safe and efficient extraction of the
mineral resources of Zimbabwe and the promotion of responsible environmental management
practices, consistent with the national policy of sustainable development of Zimbabwe's valuable
natural resource base."
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