Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
Gwanda Lithium Mine in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province and Sabi Star Mine in Buhera District, Manicaland Province have been issued with Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs) which requires them to cease transporting ore until comprehensive dust management plans have been submitted to the Agency.
This comes after the mining projects failed to implement effective dust suppression measures.
EMA Environmental Education and Publicity Manager Mrs Amukela Sidange some projects have failed to address the problem over a period of time despite warnings.
“The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has noted with great concern the increasing levels of fugitive dust emissions from development projects across the country, particularly mining operations.
“These emissions are often associated with the movement of heavy trucks along internal haul roads and between production areas, posing risks to the environment, infrastructure and public health.
“Despite repeated warnings, issuance of tickets and the serving of EPOs requiring developers to implement effective dust suppression measures, some projects have continuously failed to adequately address the problem,” she said.
In response, the Agency has since intensified its enforcement measures by restricting the movement of heavy trucks within affected project sites pending compliance with prescribed dust suppression recommendations and the implementation of corrective measures by the developers.
The Agency evoked its powers under Section 37(4) of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27] to take immediate action where necessary to protect the environment and ensure compliance with environmental requirements.
“Appropriate legal action, including prosecution where applicable under the relevant provisions of the law, will be pursued against offenders. As of 23 October 2026, two major mining projects had been served with EPOs requiring the suspension of truck movements within designated production areas. These are Sabi Star Mine in Buhera District, Manicaland Province and Gwanda Lithium Mine in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province,” she said.
The EPOs require that the two mining projects cease transporting ore along identified routes until comprehensive dust management plans have been submitted to EMA for approval and then implemented to the satisfaction of the Agency.
The Agency highlighted that environmental protection is a shared responsibility and that all developers must comply with environmental laws and prescribed mitigation measures.
“No development should be undertaken at the expense of environmental integrity or the health and well-being of surrounding communities,” said Mrs Sidange.
Communities living in and around Sabi Star and Gwanda Lithium mines have been called upon to remain vigilant and promptly report to the Agency any truck movements that contravene the restrictions imposed under these EPOs.
The Agency wishes to emphasise that this is an ongoing enforcement exercise and that further action will be taken against all projects that fail to comply with environmental requirements and lawful directives. These measures are intended to protect environmental quality, safeguard public health, preserve infrastructure and promote responsible mining and sustainable development.
@NyembeziMu
