Holders of prospecting, exploration, and mining rights operating in Insiza must now submit certified copies of their licenses to the Insiza Rural District Council, in line with newly enacted by-laws aimed at strengthening oversight and environmental accountability.
The regulations, detailed in Statutory Instrument 166 of 2025—the Insiza RDC (Mining and Mineral Panning) By-laws, 2025—came a time the district is experiencing increased mining activity, notably in gold and lithium.
The by-laws mandate all operators to submit certified copies of their mining licenses, alongside certified environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports, management plans, or certificates issued by the Environmental Management Agency.
The miners must also carry out prescribed mine closure and environmental rehabilitation measures and provide quarterly environmental monitoring reports submitted to EMA.
“All holders of prospecting, exploration and mining rights operating in the council area shall submit certified copies of their licences to Council,” reads the by-law.
“Any holder of a prospecting, exploration or mining rights operating in the council area shall submit a certified copy of the environmental impact assessment report, environmental management plan or environmental impact assessment certificate issued by the Environmental Management Agency in terms of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27], carry out all relevant mine closure and environmental rehabilitation measures as prescribed by the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27].”
Keep Reading
- Zimbabwe deals help China tighten African lithium grip
- Zimbabwe deals help China tighten African lithium grip
- Over 400 nabbed for environmental violations
- Over 400 nabbed for environmental violations
It is now an offence to begin operations without submitting the required EIA documentation to the council. Non-compliance may result in fines as specified in the by-laws’ second schedule.
Developers of projects requiring an environmental and social impact assessment must also consult the council during the assessment process, involve it in public consultation meetings, and provide details of any hired consultants.
The by-laws also establish an Environmental Degradation Fund, financed through fees from mining operators, to support rehabilitation efforts. Where a landowner fails to rehabilitate a site within six months, the council may undertake the work and recover costs from the owner.
Council officers, along with designated authorities such as the mining commissioner, police, or EMA agents, are empowered to inspect mining operations and ensure compliance.
The regulations also require that anyone wishing to establish an elution plant must obtain a permit from the council, and all miners must pay approved royalties, levies, and license fees.
Insiza Rural District Council will keep submitted EIA reports available for public inspection at its offices during reasonable hours.