By Own Correspondent

Environmental activist Diana Mavunduse has called for the implementation of Community Benefits Agreements (CBA) as the lasting solution to block exploitation by errant Chinese miners.

Zimbabwe’s mining sector is littered with endless reports exposing Chinese-run operations that have allegedly left behind a trail of destruction with little benefit to the communities they operate from.

Mavunduse, a Skills and Community Development Specialist said stakeholders must urgently work towards CBA standards.

“Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), government and other stakeholders need to start rethinking again and come up with Community Benefits Agreements as a precondition for operations in the mining sector.

“A CBA is a legally enforceable contract between a coalition of community-based organizations and the developer of a proposed project. In exchange for the community leaders’ support where mining operations are scheduled to take place, the company agrees to contribute benefits to the local community if the project moves forward.

“By doing so, both parties have a hand in shaping the project, while the developer builds community support and strengthens local partnerships. The result is a smoother approval process for the miner and a smooth project for the company,” she said.

Mavunduse underscored that such agreements can be particularly useful to ensure that large developments seeking public investment align with the needs of local communities.

“CBAs may be aligned with community needs such as employing locals for the project, setting wage levels, supporting local infrastructure and other development-related needs,” she added.