By Staff Reporter
In a rare show of unity, conservationists, community leaders, tourism operators, and human rights advocates came together on Tuesday 29 April to deliver an emphatic “No” to a Chinese-owned mining company’s bid to prospect for minerals inside Sinamatella, a pristine zone within Hwange National Park.
The virtual meeting, convened by the Mining Affairs Board (MAB) of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, saw over 60 stakeholders raise robust objections to an Exclusive Prospecting Order (EPO) application lodged by Sunny Yi Feng, a company previously cited for environmental violations.
The session was held under Section 88 of Zimbabwe’s Mines and Minerals Act but, for many in attendance, the law was already on their side.
“This application is not just ill-advised—it is illegal,” said a representative from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights). “Cabinet banned mining in national parks in 2020. Why are we still entertaining these attempts?”
‘A Violation of the Constitution’
Objections centred on both legal grounds and environmental ethics. Many speakers cited Section 73 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which enshrines citizens’ rights to a healthy environment and mandates the state to uphold ecological integrity.
“This EPO represents a breach of public trust,” said Farai Maguwu, executive director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance. “Hwange National Park is not just a tourism asset; it’s a constitutional commitment.”
CNRG previously submitted a Letter of Objection to the Mines Affairs Board strongly objecting the issuance of an Exclusive Prospecting Order to Sunny Ye Feng in Hwange National Park, citing legal violations, environmental risks, and the undermining of constitutional rights to a clean and healthy environment.\
“The proposed mining threatens critical biodiversity, cultural heritage, tourism-based livelihoods, and would cause massive CO₂ emissions, contradicting sustainable development principles. CNRG urges the government to reject the application and prioritize long-term ecological integrity and intergenerational equity over short-term extractive gains,” reads part of the Objection Letter.
ZimParks, Painted Dog Conservation, WWF Zimbabwe, and Imvelo Safari Lodges were among those warning of irreparable harm to endangered species and habitats should exploration proceed.
Sinamatela, in particular, is a vital refuge for elephants, rare birds, and the endangered Painted Dog. Attendees recalled the devastating environmental footprint of past mining near Deka and Makomo—still visible, still unhealed.
“Exploration is not harmless,” said a spokesperson for Great Plains Conservation. “It means roads, noise, dust, water use, and fragmentation. Once you disturb this ecosystem, you can’t reverse it.”
Tourism vs Mining: An Economic Crossroads
Economically, stakeholders warned the country was standing at a dangerous crossroads.
Tourism, they noted, contributes far more to GDP than mining, especially in the Hwange region, a jewel in Zimbabwe’s tourism crown.
Representatives from the Tourism Business Council, the Employers Association for Tours and Safari Operators, and community members all spoke of jobs, clean water, and livelihoods that would be jeopardised by mining activity.
“This is not just about elephants; it’s about people,” said one local leader. “We drink from these rivers. Our children work in these lodges. What does mining bring us? Dust and exclusion.”
Who Is Sunny Yi Feng? Stakeholders Demand Accountability
The applicant’s track record came under intense scrutiny.
Speakers referenced previous Environmental Management Agency (EMA) shutdowns of Sunny Yi Feng operations elsewhere, accusing the company of environmental negligence, lack of transparency, and operating under unclear ownership structures.
“Moreover, it is concerning that the applicant, Sunny Ye Feng (Pvt) Ltd, has a history of environmental violations. There is a recorded shutdown order issued by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) on August 15, 2020, due to non-compliance with environmental regulations which raises serious doubts about the applicant’s commitment to good environmental management.”
“This company has already shown its hand,” said a representative from Zambezi Valley Conservation Network. “Why should we trust them in our most sacred ecological area?”
Consultation or Checkbox? Process Under Fire
Adding to the sense of unease was the way the meeting itself was organised. Many attendees expressed frustration at last-minute notifications, inadequate communication, and what they perceived as a tokenistic approach to stakeholder input.
“This feels like a box-ticking exercise,” says Ndaizivei Garura, CNRG senior programs officer, “We demand genuine consultation, not performative process.”
Unanimous Rejection, Firm Demands
By the end of the two-hour meeting, one thing was clear: there was not a single voice in favour of the EPO.
Stakeholders demanded a full rejection—not only of mining, but also of exploration. They insisted on upholding the 2020 Cabinet ban, sharing all application details publicly, and conducting physical inspections of past environmental damage caused by mining ventures.
The Association for Tourism Hwange (ATH), which compiled the proceedings, called on the government to protect the park’s ecological and economic future.
“This is a red line,” ATH said in a closing statement. “We must choose long-term national interest over short-term profit. The world is watching.”
Editor’s Note: CNRG will continue to follow this story as the Ministry of Mines deliberates its decision. For more updates on natural resource governance and conservation in Zimbabwe, subscribe to The Weekly and follow us on our social media platforms on X and LinkedIn.