Local experts in carbon credits are calling on the government to invest in research and partnerships to advance phytomining, a process that uses plants to extract heavy metals from the soil. This innovative approach is seen as a vital step towards enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in the mining sector.
Phytomining, also known as agromining, has the potential to revolutionise the mining industry by offering a greener alternative to traditional methods. In an interview at an ESG mining breakfast meeting in Harare recently, Zimbabwe Industrial Hemp Trust CEO, Zorodzai Maroveke, highlighted the importance of collaboration with major industry players to unlock the potential of this sector.
“So, it is going to start with research and development, and we are hoping now with this event we just had, maybe we will have some partnerships with the big players to unlock this particular sector in terms of phytoremediation and phytomining,” Maroveke said
The industrial hemp sector, according to Maroveke, could play a significant role in the country’s environmental efforts, particularly through carbon credits. “Hemp is quite a phenomenon, we are seeing a lot of promises in soil reclamation, cleaning the soils, regenerative agriculture, these carbon credits, now even phytomining,” she added.
The need for strong legal frameworks to support these initiatives was echoed by TN Cattle Depository CEO Ronald Makaleni, who called for the creation of green bonds and improved certification infrastructure for carbon credits.
“Achieving ESG compliance can lower capital costs and improve access to energy and funding,” Makaleni noted.
As the country grapples with challenges in accessing climate financing, the call for innovation in sectors like industrial hemp and phytomining is gaining momentum, with hopes that upcoming policies will pave the way for sustainable growth.
