Harare, 2025 (New Ziana) – The Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe has underscored the importance of responsible mining practices that safeguard communities and the environment, stressing that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles should guide the extractive sector in Zimbabwe.
Speaking on behalf of Chinese ambassador Zhou Ding during an ESG engagement session on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show on Thursday, Hao Tang said mining development should balance economic gains with long-term sustainability.
“Responsible approaches to mining are needed to protect land. ESG is a good yardstick to achieve this because it ensures environmental protection, good governance, and climate resilience,” he said.
Tang said while mining remains a critical driver of the Zimbabwean economy, communities living in mining areas should not be left behind. “ESG is crucial in ensuring that communities benefit from mining activities taking place in their areas, while also rehabilitating degraded land. This is a responsibility we all must uphold,” he said.
Tang reaffirmed the enduring ties between Harare and Beijing, noting that Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe are committed to corporate social responsibility. “China and Zimbabwe have always been partners, and we want to maintain that even in the promotion of mining activities here. We are cooperating in the communities we operate from, building schools, and making sure locals get maximum benefit from what we do,” he said.
The remarks come at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to formalize and regulate the mining sector, which has often faced criticism over land degradation, environmental pollution, and inadequate community benefits.
ESG frameworks are increasingly being adopted worldwide as a tool to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact, social contribution, and governance standards. Tang also called for greater investment in clean energy to complement Zimbabwe’s green growth agenda.
“There is need for Zimbabwe to invest more in green energy. As leaders in technology, we want to impart knowledge and expertise here to support the country’s transition to sustainable energy systems,” he added.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show has become a key platform for government, private sector and international partners to engage on economic development issues, with mining and agriculture seen as pivotal sectors for growth.
China remains one of biggest investors in Zimbabwe, particularly in mining, infrastructure and energy, and the remarks by Tang reinforce the bid by China to align its investments in the country with global sustainability trends, while ensuring that development projects leave lasting benefits for communities and the environment.
New Ziana
