CNRG exists to ensure natural resources are a blessing and not a curse to the host communities. The extractive sector, whilst viewed as a boom by government and corporations, is in reality doom to most communities who have fallen victim to the paradox of plenty. Mining has led to somatic violence, deleterious psychosocial and health impacts on communities, especially women and children. It is harmful to the environment especially where there are no tight regulations to reduce environmental impacts of extractive industries. The government of Zimbabwe acknowledges that the extractive sector is the chief architect of illicit financial flows from the country.

Corruption involving the ruling elites and mining corporations is a defining characteristic of destructive mining in Zimbabwe and the entire SADC region and the main reason why mining is at the epicentre of combined and uneven development. The positive impacts of mining are felt further away from the mine site and from the producing country whilst surrounding communities are poorer than those communities with no mineral wealth at all. Mining results in land grabbing, water grabbing, pollution, displacements and to a large extend, destitution.

Wherever mining is taking place, be it Marange, Mutoko,  Bikita, Hwange or the Great Dyke region, the living conditions of the community are deteriorating very fast especially for vulnerable groups such s women, children and the elderly. Land, water grabbing and disrupting of underground water systems is contributing to food insecurity in mining communities. The resource curse syndrome is aided by the silence of communities and limited resistance to destructive mining.

CNRG has begun a process of movement building throughout Zimbabwe by bringing together affected communities to capacitate them for direct non violent peaceful action to resist destructive mining. CNRG is also promoting alternatives to mining with a major focus on promoting food security in communities affected by mining. Alternative livelihood options will also liberate communities to resist destructive mining.