Resilience Beyond Extraction: A Critical Review of Post-Mining Land Use and Restoration Policies in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s mining sector has long been central to its economic development, yet the legacy of environmental degradation left in the wake of extractive activities remains poorly addressed. This paper critically reviews the legal, policy, and institutional frameworks governing post-mining land use and rehabilitation in Zimbabwe, with a focus on their effectiveness, inclusivity, and enforcement. Despite the existence of regulatory instruments like the Mines and Minerals Act as well as the Environmental Management Act, implementation gaps, weak oversight, and elite-driven exploitation continue to undermine sustainable restoration practices. The study draws on political ecology and environmental justice theories to interrogate the power dynamics, ecological externalities, and community marginalization embedded in current land reclamation efforts. Using qualitative analysis of secondary data, including case studies from Hwange, Penhalonga, and Zvishavane, the paper exposes the disconnect between policy aspirations and on-the-ground realities. Abandoned open pits, contaminated water sources, and unproductive landscapes are symptomatic of a system that allows mining companies to exit without fulfilling rehabilitation obligations. The paper argues for a paradigm shift toward resilience-focused post-mining land use planning. This includes legally binding mine closure plans, reclamation bonds, transparent monitoring systems, and meaningful participation of affected communities in restoration efforts. It further advocates for integrating technological innovations such as satellite imaging, drones, and AI-driven land-use tracking to enhance transparency and accountability. Ultimately, restoring ecological integrity and socio-economic utility to post-mining landscapes is not just an environmental imperative but a test of Zimbabwe’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.