EMA raises alarm over rising gold processing plants in Bulawayo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has raised concern over the increasing number of gold processing plants in Bulawayo, warning that some of the facilities are posing new environmental risks due to the use of hazardous chemicals and the improper disposal of wastewater.

Speaking during a presentation at a recently held trade effluent and wastewater recycling workshop, EMA Environmental Quality Officer for Bulawayo, Mr Mcebisi Dube, said the agency conducts quarterly inspections of companies whose operations interact with the environment, particularly those that release substances into the air or handle hazardous chemicals as defined under Statutory Instrument 268 of 2018.

Mr Dube said hazardous substances covered by the regulations include chemicals such as cyanide, caustic soda and sulphuric acid, as well as materials like coal, all of which require strict monitoring and proper handling.

“As EMA we conduct quarterly inspections of companies with interests in environmental issues, especially those whose processes release substances into the air or those using hazardous substances as defined by Statutory Instrument 268 of 2018,” he said.

He noted that EMA has already identified companies whose operations interact with the environment and placed them under monitoring.

However, Mr Dube said an emerging trend has been the rapid growth of gold processing facilities, commonly known as gold elution plants, largely driven by the country’s mining-based economic activity.

“These gold processing plants are sprouting in the city and they are coming with a new hazard related to wastewater management. Their effluent is mainly acidic and, when combined with the city’s ageing sewer infrastructure, the chemicals can even digest or damage some of the infrastructure,” said Mr Dube.

He said the agency has already responded to several incidents where sewer pipes became choked or damaged as a result of effluent from such operations.

“As the agency responsible for environmental protection, we have had to act by fining some of these companies,” he said.