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Conrad Mupesa Mashonaland West Bureau
POLICE in Magunje have arrested five Chinese nationals who were allegedly conducting alluvial gold mining along Sanyati River, in Hurungwe district yesterday.
Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the arrest before referring questions to national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi who could not be reached this morning.
It is alleged that the five were conducting alluvial gold mining without mining permits and work permits using excavators and other equipment.
They are expected to appear before Karoi Magistrate Court on Wednesday.
Due to its extensive damage to the environment, the Government in August this year banned alluvial riverbed mining.
During a post Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Government had considered and approved the report on Alluvial Mining and Rehabilitation of Degraded Rivers, which was presented by Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, as chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Mining and Environment.
“Cabinet noted that, ever-since its commencement in 2011 across the country’s rural provinces, large-scale and mechanical alluvial mining or riverbed mining has resulted in water pollution, siltation, degradation of river channels and disruption of riverine ecosystems,” he said
“Cabinet directed that riverbed mining be banned with immediate effect.”
Online Reporter