The current plunder of the Mutare River continues unabated by 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) Environmental Management Agency (EMA).

The current plunder of the Mutare River continues unabated by 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) Environmental Management Agency (EMA). 

Premascopic Mining Company, is carrying out operations that have not been sanctioned by EMA, as the ZimGold Field operations have been currently suspended pending renewal of license. The target to rehabilitate 10 hectares along the Mutare River, where there are slime dumps spiked with cyanide and other chemicals is an illegal operation.

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.

The combination of mechanized and artisanal mining operations has resulted in the pollution of the Mutare River through high levels of dissolved iron and oxygen, cyanide, and mercury contamination. Downstream users of Mutare River water are facing challenges of using the contaminated water. 

Rampant land degradation has also ensued from the unregulated mining exercise where excavators are digging deep pits along the riverbed, where water has been diverted from its natural course to an artificial trench.

We demand the following:

·        Immediate cessation of illegal mining activities including the purported rehabilitation exercise by Primascopic Mining Company

·        Enforcement of mining laws and regulations by the responsible authorities including EMA, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development

·        Proper environmental rehabilitation by ZimGold fields that follows the procedural requirements of the environmental 

The government must prioritize the protection environment, local infrastructure, the economy, health, and safety of communities by halting illegal mining activities. Join us in demanding an end to illegal mining in Penhalonga and Zimbabwe at large.