Staff Writer
The Association of Mining Journalists in Zimbabwe (AMJZ) president Tafadzwa Dube on Thursday addressed delegates attending this year’s Environmental Sustainability and Governance in Harare.
Deputy Mines Minister Polite Kambura was guest of honor at the ESG attended by mining companies including Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines and top government officials.
Munyaradzi Hwengwere, Zimex Convenor and Patron of AMJZ, led the proceedings.
The theme of the indaba was “Growing Sustainable Mining: Nurturing Our Future.”
Dube said the relationship between media and mining companies was key.
“Why does this relationship matter so much? The answer is simple: the media serves as the bridge between the mining sector and the public. We are the storytellers, the watchdogs, and the educators. We are the ones who translate complex geological data and mining jargon into language that resonates with everyday citizens.
“We highlight the sector’s triumphs and innovations, but we also have the duty to scrutinize its failures and shortcomings.
A healthy, transparent relationship between the media and the mining sector ensures that the story being told is not just accurate, but also fair and balanced,” he said.
“This is essential because mining, as we know, is a sector that has the potential to propel our country forward, lifting communities out of poverty, driving industrial growth, and contributing significantly to our national development goals as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). However, it can also be a source of controversy, misinformation, and misunderstanding if not properly communicated.”
Dube said the formation of AMJZ was driven by the recognition of several key challenges that were undermining the effectiveness and credibility of mining journalism in Zimbabwe.
“First and foremost, there was a significant lack of capacity among journalists to effectively report on the complexities of the mining sector. Many practitioners did not fully understand mining operations, regulatory frameworks, or the economic and environmental impacts of mining activities. This knowledge gap often led to incomplete reporting and, in some cases, misinformation,” he said.
“Moreover, we have witnessed unfortunate instances where some rogue elements within the media have engaged in unethical practices, including extortion and the dissemination of sensationalized news. Such actions not only damage the credibility of our profession but also erode trust within the sector and among the public. This cannot and should not be tolerated. As journalists, our primary duty is to seek the truth and report it in a manner that serves the public interest, without fear or favor.”
The rapid advancement of technology, particularly the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has further complicated the media landscape.
AI has the potential to revolutionize our work by automating routine reporting and data analysis, but it also poses a significant risk if not managed correctly.
The spread of AI-generated news has sometimes led to the circulation of false information, creating unnecessary panic and confusion. This is a direct threat to the mining sector, where accurate, timely, and reliable information is crucial for decision-making and investment.
In response to these challenges, AMJZ has embarked on a mission to elevate the standards of mining journalism in Zimbabwe.
“We have partnered with the Zimbabwe School of Mines to develop a robust training program tailored specifically for journalists. This program is designed to provide our members with a deep understanding of the mining sector, covering everything from geological surveys and mining processes to environmental management and regulatory compliance,” said Dube.
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