By Dumisani Ndlovu
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, has expressed concern over the environmental degradation caused by mining activities in the province. Speaking at an interactive meeting with the mining sector, he urged miners to adopt ethical and responsible mining practices, emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
The Minister noted that the government is committed to ensuring that mining activities are conducted in a manner that prioritizes environmental protection and social welfare, in line with the country’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
He praised some mining entities for their corporate social responsibility initiatives, which have positively impacted local communities, and encouraged others to follow suit. The Minister also commended miners who sell their gold and minerals to approved buyers, contributing to the country’s GDP.
In a related development, the Dinson Iron and Steel Plant in Manhize has begun production, with the company expected to contribute significantly to the economy upon completion of all phases. The plant, a subsidiary of Tsingshan Holdings, has already created employment opportunities and is expected to become one of the largest steel producers on the continent.
The government has welcomed the plant’s contribution to the economy, which aligns with the country’s vision of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030
