Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro
Chief Court Reporter
BOTHA Mine has been dealt a devastating double setback after the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Government swooped down on the controversial Kitsiyatota area, located on the outskirts of Bindura, Zimbabwe’s gold mining hub.
Mining activities at the site were halted amid allegations of environmental violations and escalating violence.
The EMA issued Botha Mine with a citation last Wednesday for breaching environmental regulations, including operating beyond the approved boundaries.
The mine was slapped with a fine and ordered to immediately cease operations outside the authorised coordinates.
Adding to the woes, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development suspended all mining activities at Botha Mine.
The suspension extended to parts of the adjoining Freda Rebecca Gold Mine Lease 21, commonly known as Phoenix Prince Mine.
This abrupt crackdown further intensifies scrutiny on operations in Kitsiyatota, long considered a flashpoint for mining disputes and environmental degradation.
The ministry cited growing violence and safety risks. Provincial Mining Engineer Eugene.T. Gota said, “This suspension is necessary due to immediate, unacceptable risks to life, health, and safety.”
The suspension covers Botha’s operations 1–4 under registration numbers 46035-8 and encroaches on Freda Rebecca’s land, now managed by the Mutapa Investment Fund.
Botha Mine is accused of submitting false survey data and encroaching on Freda Rebecca’s legally held land.
Reports suggest the Mutapa Fund’s asset may have lost millions in revenue from illegal mining and gold leakages at the disputed site.
The Government alleges that Botha redrew its mining boundaries on paper to overlap with Lease 21.
The suspension order lists multiple causes: escalating violence, unauthorised mining, breakdowns in safety management, and failure to meet occupational safety standards.
Eng. Gota stated, “Shootings, assaults, and intimidation have made the site unsafe for workers and the public.”
Inspectors have been blocked from accessing the site. The report also highlighted poor accident reporting and a lack of enforced use of protective gear.
Eng Gota directed an immediate halt to all activities.
Mines must submit a register of authorised personnel by April 10. “No personnel, equipment, or processing shall remain on site,” the order commands.
Botha and Freda Rebecca must fix all safety breaches, respect boundary lines, restore management control, and reinstate proper incident reporting before resuming operations.
All staff must undergo medical checks. Compliance will be verified by the Mines Inspectorate.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have taken notice, with Commissioner Nyirenda of Mashonaland Central receiving copies of the suspension order.
Meanwhile, artisanal miners at Phoenix Prince Mine have been ordered to stop work while EMA investigates environmental law breaches.
Navid Incorporated, Freda Rebecca’s project manager, notified miners on April 9 that no mining can resume until an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate is secured.
Navid said the EIA is about 80 percent complete, but delayed to include unregistered miners and avoid infrastructure decommissioning.
Navid emphasised, “Freda Rebecca remains committed to supporting indigenous people and Zimbabwean empowerment.” He urged unregistered operators to come forward or face penalties once mining restarts.
EMA’s crackdown on non-compliant sites has raised tensions in Mashonaland Central, where artisanal mining drives much of the local economy.
Navid warned, “Remain compliant and avoid penalties. Phoenix Prince will resume once the EIA certificate is issued.”
The Ministry’s suspension on Botha remains until health, safety, and boundary issues are fully resolved and verified.
EMA’s publicity manager, Ms Amkela Sidange, called for coordinated regulation: “All institutions must actively fulfil their roles to ensure sustainable mining. A whole-of-government approach is essential for this key economic sector.”
She confirmed EMA will continue monitoring and enforcing compliance to protect the environment and public health.
