By Donald Nyarota
New research reveals the alarming environmental and social costs of mining in Zimbabwe’s mineral-rich provinces of Manicaland and Midlands, exposing the true price of the industry’s activities. A recent event to disseminate the findings of water test reports has exposed the devastating impact of mining on the country’s water systems.
The Mutare River in Penhalonga and Mbembesi River, Muterekwi River, and other water bodies in the Shurugwi Boterekwa were found to be contaminated with toxic metals, including manganese, copper, and mercury. Fecal coliforms were also detected, posing a significant risk of E. coli outbreaks.
The studies, commissioned by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), found that water samples in rivers in the Shurugwi catchment areas and Penhalonga failed to meet safety standards for drinking.
Sites in Penhalonga and Shurugwi that were tested showed microbial contamination of fecal origin above the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) and Zimbabwe effluent guidelines for domestic and drinking purposes.
Heavy metals and mineral nutrients were detected at all sites, with some levels exceeding safety specifications. Some physicochemical parameters measured in situ at some sites were very extreme and above the recommended guidelines.
People and animals share the same water sources, and the results revealed that Boterekwa rivers such as Muterekwi amongst others, (water, sediments and plant materials samples collected) are contaminated with heavy metals, mineral nutrients and microorganisms of fecal origin from mineral mining related activities.
Land, water, air, and noise pollution were also observed and present at some sites, where alluvial gold mining operations are prevalent.
The health implications of this pollution are dire. Exposure to these toxins can lead to diarrhea, kidney failure, and even cancer. The ecological consequences are equally alarming, with stagnant waters breeding toxic vegetation and dry zones showing lifeless ecosystems.
While Zimbabwe’s mining sector is a key pillar of the country’s economy, contributing to the government’s vision of establishing Zimbabwe as a middle-income country by 2030 its negative impacts on the environment and human life cannot be ignored.
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has been working tirelessly with communities in Shurugwi and Penhalonga to address the crisis of alluvial gold mining. Through their work, inclusive of petitions to parliament, the aim is to reduce the vulnerability of communities to environmental degradation.
In 2023 CNRG petitioned Parliament over operations of a Chinese company believed to be subcontracted by a Belarusian company, ZimGold, that was endangering people’s lives through unsafe mining practices at Premier Central in Old Mutare.
The petition focused on riverbed mining occurring along the Mutare River, from near Africa University to Premier Estate, and further downstream by Xu Zhong Jin Investments, causing pollution that affects Odzi and Save Rivers.
The pollution evidence from the research validates community concerns over the use of chemicals in their rivers during gold mining operations.
At the launch of the report mobilized stakeholders discussed integrated water management and the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to reduce water contamination.
Stakeholders, including local authorities, Parliament, environmental community monitors, policymakers, and mining representatives, gathered to discuss the way forward. The event highlighted the need for stricter policies and enforcement, as well as increased awareness and education among communities.
Wellington Takavarasha, CEO of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), emphasized the need for government regulation in mining activities, stating that the informalization of artisanal mining is leading to irresponsible practices that harm the environment and communities.
The recommendations from the seminar showed that stakeholders must work together to share information, validate research, and implement policies to mitigate the effects of mining on the environment. The government and policymakers must take a stronger stance on regulating the mining sector and enforcing laws to protect the environment.
As Zimbabwe strives to achieve its economic goals, the government and stakeholders must prioritize environmental sustainability. The mining sector must be held accountable for its actions, and measures must be taken to prevent further degradation of the country’s water systems.
The clock is ticking, and the consequences of inaction will be dire. It is time for Zimbabwe to take a stand against mining pollution and protect its precious water resources for future generations.
The Way Forward
To address the crisis of mining pollution in Zimbabwe’s rivers, the following steps must be taken:
- Strengthen policies and enforcement to regulate the mining sector
- Increase awareness and education among communities on the impacts of mining pollution
- Implement integrated water management practices to reduce water contamination
- Hold the mining sector accountable for its actions and ensure that it takes responsibility for environmental degradation
- Support research and development of new technologies to mitigate the effects of mining on the environment
Through collaboration stakeholders can ensure that Zimbabwe’s rivers are protected for future generations and that the country’s economic goals are achieved through effective integrated water management practices, balancing economic development with environmental protection and social responsibility.