BY LORRAINE MUROMO THERE has been a outcry over machete gangs that terrorise mining communities, thereby affecting government’s ambitious US$12 billion mining industry vision by 2023. Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (Zela) director Shamiso Mtisi (SM) blames machete gangs and rogue elements in the mining sector for hindering production. Mtisi said with proper mechanisms in place to end machete gangs, among other malpractices in the mining sector, a safe mining environment could be achieved. Mtisi last week told NewsDay (ND) reporter Lorraine Muromo that there is need for miners to rehabilitate the environment after their operations as well as ensure that mining communities benefit from the extractive activities in their areas. Mtisi also called for measures that ensure transparency and financial probity and accountability in the mining sector. ND: Last year, machete gangs wreaked havoc in mining communities, what is the situation like at the moment? SM: I am happy with the situation on the ground which indicates that there has been a reduction of cases of machete gangs because of arrests made by the police in 2020. However, in 2021 there have been reports as well about machete gangs — especially in areas such as Gwanda and others. You have to understand that machete gangs are criminals; they are people who do not have anything to do with mining, but are just there to cause havoc and disorder in the sector. However, there are also rogue elements within the mining sector. This affects production as miners are raided, and people are killed in the process, thereby crippling production. The achievement of the US$12 billion mining industry will not come to fruition if this problem is not solved. However, we have been encouraging the formation of security committees by miners within their neighbourhoods where they will share information on how best they can help each other. ND: How have mining companies dealt with the rehabilitation of the environment where they operate? Are there cases where you have witnessed serious environmental damage due to mining activities? SM:  If you take a look at areas such as Zvishavane and if you move from Boterekwa and beyond, you will see massive environmental harm done by Chinese mining companies. Some of the areas have been rehabilitated, thanks to some companies such as Zimasco, but there are still some outstanding areas in Shurugwi where land has not been rehabilitated. It is a fact that during mining, environmental damage is expected, but companies should rehabilitate the areas according to environmental laws and standards. ND: Why is it important for mining companies to get environmental impact assessment (EIA) certificates before embarking on mining operations? SM:  EIA certificates are very important documents that companies should have in their possession when operating. They are important because they identify risks associated with any project; be it obstruction of water bodies, displacement of local communities from their land, loss of land or environmental impact. EIA repor