In a recent crackdown, government authorities launched a surprise operation against artisanal miners and illegal mining operations along the Mutare River in Penhalonga, targeting the rampant alluvial gold mining activities that have been proliferating in the area. The blitz aimed to stem the tide of illegal mining and restore order in the region.
The current plunder of the Mutare River was being spearheaded by three companies including Premascopic Mining Company which claims to be carrying out a rehabilitation exercise on the riverbed close to the Penhalonga Shopping Center.
The questionable rehabilitation exercise ostensibly carried out on behalf of Zim Gold Fields is allegedly, sanctioned by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
Director of Premascopic Mining Company, Evans Kamombo, a political activist cum miner is carrying out operations that have not been sanctioned by EMA, as the ZimGold Field operations have been currently suspended pending renewal of license.
This targets to rehabilitate 10 hectares along the Mutare River, where there are slime dumps spiked with cyanide and other chemicals is an illegal operation, as the police raid in conjunction with EMA stopped all operations.
ZimGold Fields is a joint venture between the Zimbabwe government through a state-owned mining company, the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC), and a U.K. shell company called Midlands Goldfields Limited which holds a 70% stake. ZimGoldfields obtained permits to prospect for gold on nearly 55,000 hectares in three locations, including a site along the Mutare River, under a “special grant” in May 2018 to mine in a section of the river.
The Weekly, visited the site and the officials of Primascopic revealed that in the process of rehabilitation, they are also processing gold for recouping fuel expenses which is not being channeled through official gold trading structures. Further, these operations have also opened an avenue for artisanal miners who are taking advantage of the loosened soil to scavenge for gold nuggets, in a vicious cycle of unregulated plunder.
Illegal mining has resulted in the environmental degradation of pristine environs of the tourist and agricultural area, substantial loss of revenue for the state, and proliferation of unsafe mining practices. Other miners including Knox Investments and Eternal Brands have also been carrying out illegal mining activities along the river. Alluvial mining remains banned as of 08 September 2020, cementing a cabinet decision to outlaw alluvial mining passed in 2013.
Manicaland Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed that the raid along the Mutare River nabbed at least 92 people who were carrying out illegal mining activities.
The police carried out the raid on 9 and 11 July 2024 following an increase in illegal gold panning activities in Mutare River which was causing contamination of the water body, environmental and land degradation.
Artisanal miners were nabbed for mining illegally and trespassing, while some unregistered miners who were carrying out mechanized alluvial mining had their machinery seized as exhibits. The machinery include seven excavators, bulldozers, water pumps, generators and rudimentary equipment that was either recovered or abandoned by miners during the raid.
ZRP’s support unit is guarding the machinery and equipment that was used by the shady mining firms Knox Investments, Premascopic Mining Company, and Eternal Brands- whose beneficial owners are unknown.
Chinyoka said the operation was used to flush out illegal gold panners at sites raided, including an area opposite Penhalonga Shopping Center, Liverpool, and Muzorewa Farm. On 9 July, a total of 84 persons were arrested ranging from miners and mine owners that contravened the Environment Management Act Chapter 20:27 and the Mines and Minerals Act Chapter 21:25.
On July 11, a total of 6 artisanal miners were arrested, with several of them escaping and leaving behind their equipment which was seized as exhibit by the police.
The arrested persons were fined and 69 paid off their fines while others were remanded in custody at Penhalonga police station. Three dockets were opened by the Minerals Flora and Fauna unit for prospecting without a license and they will appear in court soon.
“The operation is ongoing, and we are encouraging people who want to carry out mining activities to comply with the law namely the EMA Act and the Mines and Minerals Act, especially for those who want to operate mining companies.
“People should get licenses to mine otherwise if they continue illegal activities the long arm of the law will catch up with them.
“Operation of machinery should also be done by qualified personnel only including blasting, which should be done by those with the proper blasting license and experience. We also warn miners against using banned chemicals and substances that pose a danger to the environment and communities,” said Asst Insp Chinyoka.