The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has suggested that the recent deaths of wildlife around Lake Chivero and in the Mid-Zambezi region were caused by poisonous substances used in open-cast mining at Chinese-owned establishments.
According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, and livestock from nearby farms died after drinking water in Lake Chivero contaminated with cyanobacteria.
ZimParks also confirmed that nineteen hippos have mysteriously died over the past three months in the Sapi Safari Area and Chirundu, located in the Mid-Zambezi region.
Preliminary findings suggest that the hippos succumbed to malnutrition due to severe drought, as they were found to have travelled up to 10 kilometres from their usual habitat in search of food.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, CNRG indicated that the deaths occurring during the rainy season suggest the animals drank water contaminated by toxic chemicals used in mining. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) is deeply concerned about the recent deaths of 19 hippos in the Sapi Safari Area and Chirundu, located along the Zambezi Valley.
According to a statement from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) issued on January 7th, these tragic deaths occurred over the past three months.
This follows closely on the heels of another environmental disaster at Lake Chivero, where both wildlife and aquatic life have been decimated due to severe pollution.
The sudden and significant loss of these hippos highlights potential underlying environmental issues, such as habitat degradation, water pollution, or the detrimental effects of human activities in the area.
This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger wildlife conservation efforts and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to safeguard Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity.
In a broader context, CNRG is alarmed by the rapid growth of large-scale open-cast mining operations across Zimbabwe in the past five years, particularly those led by Chinese nationals collaborating with the country’s political elites.
These mining operations, which often completely disregard the rule of law, have raised serious concerns about their impact on local communities, the environment, and biodiversity.
A particularly controversial practice these operations employ is heap leaching, commonly used in gold recovery. This process involves treating gold ore with a dilute alkaline sodium cyanide solution.
While cost-effective for large-scale mining, heap leaching poses significant environmental and health risks.
The toxic chemicals used in the process can easily contaminate water sources and soil, leading to long-term ecological damage and harm to local populations.
It is no coincidence that the deaths of white rhinoceros and fish at Lake Chivero and the hippos in the Zambezi Valley occur during the rainy season.
The rains wash the poorly disposed cyanide into surface runoff, contaminating rivers and dams. The threat to humans is extremely high.
The expansion of destructive mining activities reflects deteriorating governance standards within Zimbabwe’s resource sector, often prioritizing short-term economic gains over environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities.
This growing disregard for environmental laws is alarming, especially when coupled with the lack of meaningful oversight from the relevant authorities.
One of the most concerning examples of this is the case of Sino Africa Huijin, a Chinese mining syndicate operating at Premier Estate in Old Mutare.
In 2023, CNRG petitioned Parliament regarding the pollution of the Mutare River—a vital tributary of the Odzi River- caused by heap leaching techniques at this site.
Despite extensive oral evidence hearings involving CNRG, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and the Ministry of Mines, which were concluded in May 2024, Parliament has yet to take any action.
The lack of a site visit to Premier Estate and the failure to address the petition has led to increasing frustration among local communities, environmental groups, and concerned citizens.
This ongoing inaction by Parliament is not only undermining public trust in governmental institutions, but it also signals a worrying indifference to the environmental and social consequences of unchecked mining activities.
<ul>
<li>CNRG calls for a thorough investigation into the cause of the deaths of hippos to ensure appropriate measures are taken to protect the remaining wildlife and prevent further losses.</li>
<li>Parliament should conduct an urgent site visit to Premier Estate, and take prompt, decisive action to address the violations raised in the petition. It is crucial that the concerns of local populations are taken seriously, and that Zimbabwe’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.</li>
<li>We urge Parliament to take immediate and decisive action to address the devastating environmental impact of mining activities across the country. The alarming rate of environmental degradation and pollution caused by these activities demands swift attention and effective mitigation measures.</li>
</ul>
CNRG remains committed to advocating for stronger environmental protections and will continue to hold accountable those responsible for the degradation of the country’s ecosystems.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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The CNRG thinks that wildlife died in Lake Chivero and Mid-Zambezi because of chemicals from mining. The rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, fish eagles, and hippos died. CNRG wants to investigate why the animals died and how to protect the remaining wildlife. The chemicals from mining can hurt the environment, water, and animals. CNRG wants the government to take action to stop this damage from happening. They want to protect the environment for future generations. Wildlife and the environment are important and need to be taken care of.

CNRG Blames Mining Chemicals For Lake Chivero And Mid-Zambezi Wildlife Deaths

Hwange residents have petitioned the Parliament of Zimbabwe to address air pollution in the town, which is linked to coal mining activities.
The petition, presented by the Greater Hwange Residents Trust, aims to raise awareness among lawmakers about the health risks associated with coal dust pollution and to urge immediate action to protect residents from its harmful effects.
According to the trust, the Pneumonoconiosis Act (Chapter 15:08), designed to safeguard workers in dusty occupations, fails to adequately protect ordinary residents who are also affected by coal dust pollution.
Below is the full petition that was submitted to Parliament:
<blockquote>
DRAW the attention of the House to the following:
1. The Constitution mandates the Parliament of Zimbabwe to make laws, carry out executive oversight and discharge a representative role, as well as protect the Constitution and democratic governance in Zimbabwe.
2. Section 117(2) of the Constitution, inter alia, mandates Parliament to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of Zimbabwe.
3. Section 8 of the Constitution sets out the objectives to guide all institutions and agencies of the State in the formulation and implementation of policies that will lead to the establishment, enhancement and promotion of a sustainable, just, free and democratic society in which people enjoy prosperous, happy and fulfilling lives.
4. Greater Whange Residents Trust is a Hwange-basedTrust which advocates for the welfare and interests of people in Hwange.
5. The town of Hwange is home to over 50 000 residents. These include men, women and children that are not employed as miners. 
6. Coal mining is a key industry in that town and impacts on both the residents and the environment of Hwange town and beyond. Hwange is also surrounded by land which falls under the National Parks.
7. The Pneumonoconiosis Act (Chapter 15:08) came into operation on 1 August 1971. The Act remains in force. The long title of the Act gives as its objects the following: An Act to provide for the control and administration of persons employed in dusty occupations; and to provide for matters incidental to or connected with the foregoing. (emphasis added).
8. The Act was designed to respond to health issues affecting those employed in dusty occupations. Naturally,it is ill-equipped to respond to issues of stakeholders beyond this categorisation as stated by the lawmaker.
9. Mining in Hwange consists of both open cast and underground mining operations. Coal mining creates dust and dusty conditions that affect not just those employed by the coal mines. It affects communities that live on and around the mines.
10. Section 56 of the Constitution provides that all persons are equal before the law and have a right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
11. Your petitioners submit that ordinary residents of Hwange that are not employed in the coal mines are not benefiting from the provisions of the Act as currently framed. For instance, those directly employed in coal mines are eligible for regular medical checks under the Act to determine the impact of coal dust on their health, particularly the heart and kidneys. Ordinary residents are not beneficiaries of such tests. The Act was not designed for their benefit. It was exclusionary from the start.
12. Residents that are not employees of coal mines are therefore susceptible to health risks associated with coal mining, without the protection of the law. With the increase in coal and related mining activities, the number of persons that are not subject to the protection of the law thanks to the crafting of the Act has also increased. It is desirable that the Act be reviewed to embrace the protection of all persons that stay or live in environments that are subjected to coal mining dust. It may also be worthwhile for Parliament to consider how the Act could enjoin coal miners to contribute towards the reduction of coal dust, to enhance the health of residents.
13. Your petitioners are aware that section 73 of the Constitution guarantees their right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, and to have their environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations. In this regard, the State must ensure the progressive realisation of this right by residents of Hwange.
WHEREFORE your petitioners humbly pray as follows:
That the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercises its constitutional mandate to:
1. Inquire into the nature and extent of the threat posed to residents due to the dust pollution;
2. Review the fairness of the Pneumonoconiosis Act [Chapter 15:08] to non-employees of the coal mining industry that reside in coal mining areas; and
3. Make recommendations on the review of the Act given the current situation in coal mining areas.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Residents of Hwange are worried about pollution from coal mining and want Parliament to do something. They say the current laws only protect workers in the mines, not ordinary people who also suffer. They want Parliament to investigate how this pollution is harming residents and to change the laws to protect everyone better. They are also worried about the environment being affected. The residents want Parliament to act now to make sure they and future generations are safe from harmful pollution in Hwange.

Hwange Residents Petition Parliament To Tackle Coal Dust Pollution

The Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, said that the government is engaging mining companies in Hwange following complaints from residents about air pollution in the area.
Residents of Ingagula have expressed concerns about excessive dust pollution from haulage trucks and coal mining activities, which they believe is contributing to respiratory diseases and other health issues.
Speaking to <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/minister-moyo-were-working-to-reduce-hwange-pollution/">VicFallsLive</a>, Moyo said their engagements with Chinese mining companies have led to a reduction in pollution levels in the Deka River. He said:
<blockquote>
We are engaging stakeholder companies that are all operating in coal mining in Hwange, working in collaboration with the Environmental Management Agency and Hwange Colliery, to address the issue of pollution.
We are trying our level best as Matabeleland North province government to address the issue of pollution in Hwange.
If you look closely now, the fluid that gets in the Deka river has been reduced. We have also tried to quell the pollution in the air and we a re still trying to address that.
</blockquote>
Bryn Chikumbo, a local councillor, has warned that the community is “sitting on a health time bomb” and has called for urgent action to address the pollution.
Coal mining and the resulting pollution can significantly affect the health and well-being of people living in mining areas in several ways
Dust from mining operations and coal combustion can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic lung diseases.
Fine particles released into the air can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing cardiovascular diseases and exacerbating existing health conditions.
Runoff from mining sites can contaminate local water sources with heavy metals and other pollutants, impacting drinking water quality.
Consuming or using contaminated water can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, neurological disorders, and increased cancer risk.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government is talking to coal miners in Hwange because people are worried about pollution. Residents say dust and coal mining are making them sick. The government is working with Chinese mining companies to reduce pollution in the Deka River. They are also trying to reduce pollution in the air. A local councillor is warning that the community's health is in danger. Pollution from coal mining can cause lung problems, heart diseases, contaminated water, and more health issues. The government is trying to fix these problems to keep people safe and healthy.

Government Engaging Coal Miners To Tackle Hwange Pollution - Minister Moyo

Hwange Central Member of Parliament, Daniel Molokele (CCC), has criticised Chinese coal miners in the district for not respecting Zimbabwe’s laws in their operations.
This follows complaints from residents of Ingagula township in Hwange about excessive dust pollution caused by Chinese miners’ haulage trucks and coal mining activities.
In a recent interview with <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/mp-daniel-molokele-speaks-out-against-chinese-companies-arrogance-and-disregard-for-the-law-in-hwange/">VicFallsLive</a>, Molokele alleged that Chinese investors are shielded from scrutiny due to their connections with powerful politicians in Harare.
He argued that this protection has led to a sense of arrogance among the Chinese companies operating in the area Said Molokele:
<blockquote>
We have also made efforts to reach out to the Chinese companies, most community local members are complaining that it’s the Chinese companies that are leading in terms of violations of environmental laws and making sure that there’s too much pollution, not just of the air but of the land and the rivers… but what we have learnt is that Chinese companies are very arrogant and they never respect any type of law including labour relations act.
When you look at the terms and conditions of their employees, it’s clear that they are deliberately and arrogantly violating the laws in terms of working hours, in terms of compassionate leave, study leave, medical aid, pension aid and permanent employment and so on…
In terms of health and occupational hazards, awareness and protection, so there’s a lot of violations happening… but it’s the manner in which Chinese investors start investments here in Zimbabwe because they come through high-level politics and they have got connections in Harare and some of the companies that China had set up here in Hwange, they major shareholding include the political elite and that’s where the source of arrogance is coming from… I have been working with other parliamentarians to set up a national chapter for the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China.
We have an organization that works in over 50 countries that has been set up called IPAC headquartered in London that seeks to ensure that Chinese companies wherever they are investing, they have a sustainable development model and they respect local communities.
So we are in the process of setting the national chapter in Zimbabwe, hopefully, it’ll help to increase our capacity to force the Chinese companies to be more accountable.
</blockquote>
Molokele pledged to raise the issue in the National Assembly to hold Chinese companies accountable for their environmental and social impact in Hwange.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hwange MP Daniel Molokele is angry at Chinese miners for not following the rules in Zimbabwe. People in Hwange are upset about the pollution caused by the Chinese miners. Molokele says the Chinese companies act like they are above the law because they have connections with powerful politicians. He wants to make sure these companies are held responsible for their actions. Molokele plans to talk about this issue in Parliament and work with other MPs to try and make Chinese companies follow the law and treat local people better.

Hwange MP Daniel Molokele Slams Chinese Miners For "Arrogance And Disregard For The Law"

Sebakwe River has been heavily polluted by small-scale and artisanal miners who discharge raw effluent into the river.
This was disclosed by the head of the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in Kwekwe District, Daniel Magombedze.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the Development of National Environment Plan meeting held in Kwekwe recently. He said:
<blockquote>
We have the problem of water pollution in the district. If one is to look at Sebakwe River, for instance, one will realise that there are serious water pollution challenges in the river.
We have sewage and effluent discharges from mining operations polluting the water. This indeed is a serious cause for concern.
</blockquote>
The pollution of the Sebakwe River poses a danger to farmers downstream who rely on the river for water for domestic use and for their livestock.
Recently, a community borehole in Munyati was poisoned by unknown people. Magombedze said the matter is under investigation. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/ema-concerned-with-discharge-of-raw-effluent-in-sebakwe-river/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

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