SYDNEY MUBAIWA
ZVISHAVANE-The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has urged miners who are operating in the Great Dyke Geological Complex to adhere to environmental regulations.
Speaking at the just-ended 2025 Minex Expo held in Zvishavane, EMA District Environmental Officer Sally Maguvu said miners should adhere to the provisions of the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27) by conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) before implementing their mining projects.
“Environmental Impact Assessments are important tools that guide project implementation while ensuring the protection of the environment.
“Failing to comply not only risks environmental degradation but also undermines sustainable mining practices that are essential for the long-term health of our ecosystems and communities,” she said.
The Great Dyke Geological Complex which stretches over 500 km across the country has been a focal point for mining activities with miners ignoring environmental regulations.
Some miners are even failing to reclaim their disused pits posing a danger to the surrounding communities.
Maguvu’s remarks underscore EMA’s ongoing efforts to enforce environmental regulations and raise awareness among stakeholders in the mining industry.
The Minex Expo is a platform for small-scale miners to collaborate and share innovative ideas. It also provides EMA and other stakeholders a platform to engage directly with those in the mining industry.
EMA’s call to action comes amid growing concerns about environmental degradation caused by artisanal miners in the Great Dyke region.
Previous reports have highlighted issues such as river pollution, deforestation and the creation of hazardous waste sites as a result of unregulated mining practices.
A month ago, a vehicle plunged into an abandoned open cast mine killing all occupants but one.
The agency has also launched initiatives like Operation Chikorokoza Chapera in a bid to curb illegal gold panning which has destroyed large swathes of land.
However, the agency continues to face challenges in enforcing these mining regulations as noted in recent investigations, including reports of limited agency power to curb rampant pollution and land degradation.
The involvement of high-profile political figures in the mining industry also provides the agency little power to arrest them.
