Stop degrading, polluting environment: Dr Nyoni

ENVIRONMENT, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni has warned mining entities against degrading and polluting the environment and water bodies through their operations.

Concerns about pollution and environmental degradation at the hands of mining companies keep increasing across the country with communities calling upon Government to take urgent measures.

Discharge of effluent and chemicals into water bodies and ground, air, land and water pollution are the most popular violations on the environment.

President Mnangagwa last year initiated the Responsible Mining Audit to promote responsible and compliant mining activities in Zimbabwe and this saw Government suspending licences of a number of operators who flouted mining laws.

The Responsible Mining Audit is a measure implemented to ensure that mining activities are carried out responsibly and in accordance with the country’s legal framework and signifies an important step forward in ensuring that Zimbabwe’s mining sector operates ethically, sustainably, and in alignment with national regulations.

In Hwange, Matabeleland North province, communities have complained at various fora about pollution caused by mining companies and processors.

Hwange District has experienced an influx in mining investments under the Second Republic, which has seen big players setting base to tap into vast coal mining opportunities, mainly coke processing.

While this has created jobs, it is the rate at which environmental degradation has taken place that has raised concerns.

Residents have petitioned Parliament over pollution while Government recently summoned some mining entities to explain issues of pollution in the coal mining town.

Deka and Lukosi rivers are heavily polluted and Chief Wange has complained about the impact on livestock.

In a recent interview in Victoria Falls, Dr Nyoni said pollution by mining companies was rampant countrywide with some water sources affected.

She said her ministry had ordered a mine in Hurungwe to suspend operations until some pollution concerns were addressed.

“This is a problem that a lot of people are turning a blind eye on. There is a lot of pollution of rivers and dams by people that are in mining and we are aware of some that are polluting. In every province, there is a mining company that is polluting a river and I would like to call upon miners to be wary because polluting a river with cyanide can kill a whole population of livestock and people.

“One of the spillages happened in Hurungwe and we have dealt with that. It is under control and they are now negotiating to reopen the mine.

“Those kinds of spillages should be avoided; it’s happening in a lot of dams. We want that to stop because we are slowly killing populations around mining areas for a few millions of dollars,” said Dr Nyoni.

She said the Environmental Management Agency had been ordered to enforce compliance in mining operations.

“I want to reiterate that the time has come for us to value life more than money. EMA is there and we are going to command the agency to go through all mines to make sure there is compliance.

“I am glad we are working together with the Minister of Mines on this because we don’t want mining that is detrimental to our people,” said Dr Nyoni.