The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has issued a stern warning to mining entities across the country, urging them to adopt responsible mining practices following a recent water pollution incident at Cambria 4 Mine in Masvingo, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
According to EMA spokesperson Amkela Sidange, heavy rains in the area caused a tailings dam failure, leading to an accidental discharge of slurry into a stream feeding into the Shashe River on New Year’s Day.
“The Agency promptly responded by attending to the pollution issue and conducting an on-site inspection. Samples from the river revealed traces of cyanide and a rise in pH, which were suspected to be from sodium hydroxide contamination,” the EMA spokesperson said.
The EMA representative stated that, as part of immediate mitigation measures, the mine was ordered to cease operations and was issued an environmental protection order alongside a fine for the violation.
“The mine must meet all recommendations made by the Agency to rectify the accidental discharge and prevent future occurrences,” Sidange added.
Key Measures Demanded by EMA
- Applying ferrous sulphate along the stream to neutralize contamination.
- Reconstructing and deepening the tailings dam walls to prevent overflows.
- Widening the emergency trenches around the dam to contain future discharges.
EMA is also monitoring water quality along the Shashe River, with recent tests indicating that the water is now environmentally safe. However, the incident has reignited concerns about the potential for similar failures at other mines, particularly during the rainy season.
“With the current rains being received across the country, mining entities should deepen and widen their cut-off trenches around tailings dams to prevent spillages into the environment. Miners must always uphold basic tailings dam design standards to prevent such failures. The time to adopt the tenets of responsible mining is now,” Sidange emphasized.
A Call for Stricter Compliance
The call for stricter compliance comes as Zimbabwe continues to face significant environmental challenges due to mining activities. EMA remains vigilant, urging all mining operators to ensure their operations do not harm the environment or public health.
