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

The draft policy encourages developers to consult with the Department of Mining Engineering before conducting
an EIA. It also provides guidelines for the preparation of EIA reports on mining projects.
It is suggested that new small workings need only complete a brief "Statement of Environmental Effects" rather
than a full EIA. This statement should include a description of the project and a works plan. The possible
environmental hazards resulting from the mining operations and the mitigatory measures necessary for these
hazards should be identified2.
Annexure C of the document is the one in which environmental management guidelines for mining and
exploration in Zimbabwe are detailed. It covers tailings dams, waste rock dumps, shafts, open cast mines,
quarries, alluvial mining, processing plants and both mineral and oil/gas exploration (Appendix 2.2).
2.9.3 Water and environmental legislation and policy
2.9.3.1 Introduction
There are many aspects of water issues in mining, which are subject to legal controls and protections. The
concern about the pollution of water systems by mining was already being reflected in European legislation in
the middle of the last century, e.g. the UK 1861 Land Drainage Act and 1876 Rivers Pollution Prevention Act
(Fitzgerald 1902).
2.9.3.2 Water Act (20:24, No 31 of 1998)
The Water Act is to provide for the planning of the optimum development and utilisation of water resources. The
Act establishes Catchment Councils3, under the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), and confers
wide-ranging powers on them. Although this devolutionary reform process was designed to improve
stakeholder participation and to empower local water users, especially rural communities, it has been shown
that this is has not necessarily occurred. Problems include differential access to resources, the lack of a level
playing field, financial costs of consultation and the veto held by the government on most issues (Sithole, 2000).
In fact the Minister of Rural Resources and Water Development has extensive powers to override ZINWA and
the Catchment Councils, as well as to issue directives to them.
2 A major mine or quarry is defined as one in which more than 10 000 tons of ore or rock
are mined or milled or one in which a surface area of more than two hectares is
disturbed each year.
3 Sections 20 - 22
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