To protect the country’s environment, the Zimbabwean government has imposed an immediate ban on all alluvial mining activities across the nation. This decision, announced during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare, addresses growing concerns over the severe environmental damage caused by these mining operations, particularly in rural areas.
The ban comes after years of escalating environmental degradation linked to large-scale and mechanical alluvial mining, also known as riverbed mining. This form of mining has been prevalent in Zimbabwe since 2011, spreading across various rural provinces. However, the environmental costs have become increasingly apparent. The Zimbabwean Cabinet noted that these mining activities have led to significant water pollution, siltation, and the destruction of river channels, all of which have disrupted riverine ecosystems that are crucial for local biodiversity and the livelihoods of rural communities.
Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, highlighted the dire consequences of alluvial mining during the briefing. “Cabinet has noted that ever since its commencement in 2011 across the country’s rural provinces, large-scale and mechanical alluvial mining or riverbed mining has resulted in water pollution, siltation, degradation of river channels, and disruption of riverine ecosystems,” Muswere stated, underscoring the government’s concerns.
The environmental impact of alluvial mining has been a topic of increasing alarm among environmentalists, local communities, and even the government. Rivers that once provided clean water and supported agriculture and fishing have been severely compromised. The continuous operation of gold panners, who extract gold from riverbeds, has not only degraded the physical structure of the rivers but also polluted the water with harmful chemicals used in the extraction process, such as mercury.
One of the most affected areas is the Boterekwa Escarpment in Shurugwi, located in the Midlands province. This historically significant and scenic site has become a symbol of the destructive impact of unregulated mining activities. While gold panning is often done on a small scale, mechanized gold miners have exacerbated the situation, leading to more extensive environmental damage. The once-pristine landscape has been marred by deep scars, eroded riverbanks, and polluted waterways, with little regard for the long-term environmental consequences.
The government’s ban on alluvial mining is a response to these issues, reflecting a commitment to preserving Zimbabwe’s natural resources and ensuring sustainable environmental practices. However, the decision also poses significant challenges, particularly for the thousands of people who rely on mining for their livelihoods. The government will need to balance environmental protection with economic realities, potentially by providing alternative employment opportunities or training for those affected by the ban.
In addition to the environmental measures, Minister Muswere provided updates on other government initiatives during the briefing. One notable achievement was the success of the food distribution program, aimed at addressing food insecurity in the country. According to Muswere, 89.2% of Zimbabweans who required food aid received assistance during the first three months of the food distribution blitz, which ran from May to July 2024. This program is part of the government’s broader strategy to combat hunger and malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
Muswere reported that out of the 6,140,924 targeted beneficiaries, 5,479,704 people received food assistance during the first phase of the distribution. The Grain Movement Command Centre, tasked with overseeing the distribution, played a crucial role in ensuring that food reached those in need. The government has now moved on to the second cycle of the program, which began on August 6 and is expected to continue until October 31, 2024. During this phase, an additional 6,215,775 beneficiaries are set to receive food aid.
The minister also spoke about the government’s ongoing efforts to engage with the Zimbabwean diaspora, particularly through the recent launch of the e-Passport Biometric Enrollment Centre in South Africa. This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to improve service delivery to Zimbabweans living abroad. The official handover of the Consulate Building in Johannesburg to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on July 25, 2024, marked a significant milestone in this effort.
“The launch of the e-Passport Biometric Enrollment Centre in South Africa shows the government’s willingness to listen to the diaspora community,” Muswere said. He emphasized that this move demonstrates the government’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people, regardless of where they are located. The new facility is expected to provide a more convenient and efficient process for Zimbabweans in South Africa to obtain their e-passports, aligning with the government’s goal of ensuring that all citizens, both at home and abroad, have access to essential services.
