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Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has warned farmers against engaging in illegal mining activities.
Miners are targeting farms and making use of excavators and other heavy machinery, thereby causing massive degradation and pollution in Guruve, Mvurwi, Shamva, Mazowe, and Bindura.
The rampant mining activities on farms have led to severe land degradation and contamination of rivers.
EMA’s Mashonaland Central environmental educationist and publicity officer, Mr Maxwell Mupotsa said many farmers are allowing miners or investors onto their farms without the necessary permits.
Mining or exploration without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate is prohibited.
Mr Mupotsa urged farmers to register their mining sites under the Mines and Mining Development offices to obtain special grants or claim registration certificates.
He also stressed the importance of having an EIA for mining claims, as it allows for degradation monitoring.
It has been noted that the farmer-miner relationship can negatively impact the environment when conflicts arise.
EMA is actively collaborating with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to address the issues, reduce land degradation, and maintain law and order.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter