Chrome miners told to protect environment

Midlands Correspondent
Villagers in Mapanzure have accused foreign chrome mining firms of degrading the environment and neglecting developmental projects in the area. In a recent interview, Chief Mapanzure told The Herald that the mining companies were doing more harm than good as they were failing to attend to the pits they were leaving behind.

“These people come into my area and mine chrome,” he said.
“After mining, they do not contribute anything towards community development. They also leave open pits all over, which has put villagers and livestock at risk.

“We have lost a significant number of livestock and a few people due to those open pits.”
The firms, said Chief Mapanzure were also contaminating water in rivers and dams, posing a serious health hazard to villagers.
“They also contaminate our water with chemicals like cyanide and mercury, endangering villagers and livestock,” he said.

“They just do not care that it could affect the health of the villagers.
“All they do is mine from our place, but we do not get anything in return. We have even tried to engage them, but nothing positive came out.”

Chief Mapanzure said it was the same with Zimasco which, despite benefiting immensely from mining activities, closed without making any meaningful development in the community.
“Back in the day, Zimasco used to mine in our area until they winded up their operations, but we never benefited anything,” he said.

“However, this time we have learnt our lesson and we will never allow history to repeat itself.
“The people are worried that while our country is open for business, these mining firms are now on a full exploitation drive.”
Mining companies, he said, should take a leaf from mining giants like Mimosa and Unki Mine, who are contributing to community development through community share ownership schemes.