Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
COMPANIES in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province have been urged to mine sustainably in order to complement the Government’s efforts in addressing the environmental and social challenges facing the mining community.
Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo made the call during a stakeholder meeting on Tuesday, which brought together mining companies operating in the district to discuss feedback on environmental and social issues raised by communities affected by their operations.
“There is a critical need for all of you, especially coal mining companies operating here in Hwange, to support the Government’s efforts in addressing the environmental and social issues affecting the district by implementing sustainable solutions,” said the minister.
“It is my hope that, as stakeholders operating in this province, you can draw inspiration and adopt the positive strategies being implemented in other provinces.”
The meeting, held quarterly to review the implementation of resolutions passed, began in 2024 following public outcry over the environmental degradation linked to mining operations.
A steering committee, chaired by the District Development Coordinator, Mr Simon Muleya, was established to track and monitor the implementation of orders issued by the stakeholders.
Residents and villagers had complained of significant pollution of the air and water, land degradation, and deforestation caused by mining, coking companies, and thermal power stations.
The district has around eight companies mining coal, 11 processing coal through their coke oven batteries, and two thermal power stations.
Minister Moyo said the Government, through its agencies, would not hesitate to penalise companies that continued to flout environmental laws.
“Let us, as Government agencies, ensure that the laws by EMA are followed and that heavy fines are imposed on those failing to comply,” he said.
“We have received endless and worrying complaints from community members regarding the unbearable air pollution caused by coal dust, acid mine drainage issues, land degradation, sewage discharge into streams, and many other health concerns.”
“Let us work together to address these critical issues that require our urgent intervention as responsible stakeholders. Let us find sustainable ways that will help keep our district and province clean and safe.”
Environmental Management Authority (EMA) Matabeleland North manager, Mrs Chipo Mpofu Zuze, said the district was facing serious environmental issues that required urgent attention.
“We are dealing with serious environmental issues, Honourable Minister. During our inspections, we found the air pollution to be untenable. The fugitive dust is emanating from mining activities, coking plants, haulage trucks carrying coal from the mines, and the power station,” she said.
“We also face environmental degradation causing deforestation and pollution of water bodies, as well as challenges with solid waste management. We have engaged the relevant companies and ordered them to address these issues, but we realise that this requires a concerted effort.”
While illegal brick moulding in the Hwange Local Board area was also raised as a concern, the local authority has since addressed the issue by partnering with Hwange Rural District Council to provide space for sustainable brick moulding.
