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Chinese Firm Deceived EMA, Engaged in Illegal Mining at Umzingwane River

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A Chinese company, under the guise of an environmental partnership, has been caught misleading Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Agency (EMA) while exploiting the Umzingwane River for illegal mining.

The company, known as Friends of the Environment, had initially promised to assist in closing pits left by artisanal miners, but instead, it was found conducting mining activities in the riverbed, damaging critical infrastructure and worsening water shortages in the region.

EMA has since terminated the partnership with Friends of the Environment, but questions remain as to whether any legal action has been taken against those responsible. The controversy came to light last week following a visit to Matabeleland South by Tafadzwa Muguti, secretary for presidential affairs and devolution. Muguti had toured major dam catchment areas, witnessing firsthand the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

The company’s operations resulted in significant damage to a bridge at the confluence of the Umzingwane and Inyankuni rivers. Local officials say this destruction contributed to reduced water inflows into dams that supply the city of Bulawayo. Muguti described the situation: “We had a Chinese company here, Friends of the Environment, who partnered with EMA, but it turned out that by day they were closing pits, and by night they were illegally mining.”

The bridge, spanning 150 meters, was completely destroyed as the company sought gold, which, according to Muguti, halted water flow in the river and exacerbated the region’s water crisis. Despite recent rainfall, the dams have seen little improvement in water levels, as illegal mining continues to restrict the flow of water.

Muguti added that the government had issued a directive calling for intensified efforts against illegal alluvial mining across the country. “This is a disaster,” he said, referring to the bridge collapse, which has had a significant impact on water availability for Bulawayo.

While Zimbabwe has seen a surge of investments from Chinese mining companies, Muguti warned that not all investors are committed to the country’s long-term benefits. “Not everyone is coming here for the benefit of Zimbabwe,” he stated.

David Coltart, the mayor of Bulawayo, has also raised concerns about the ongoing issue of illegal mining, which is severely impacting the city’s water supply. At a recent community meeting in Nkulumane, Coltart recounted his own investigation into the matter, revealing the dire situation: “I rode my bicycle 40 kilometers towards Umzingwane Dam and was shocked to find not a single stream flowing despite the recent rains. The reason? Illegal gold panning.”

The environmental fallout from illegal mining activities continues to threaten both local ecosystems and essential resources, putting communities like Bulawayo at risk of severe water shortages.

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