As Zimbabwe tightens its grip on illegal mining activities, a 38-year-old man, Simbarashe Chayambuka, from Mount Darwin, has been fined for engaging in riverbed mining, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Caught extracting minerals along the Fuse River, Chayambuka’s case reflects the broader challenges Zimbabwe faces in curbing environmental degradation caused by unauthorized mining.
Security guards from Ruia Mine apprehended Chayambuka on March 4, 2025, as he attempted to extract minerals using rudimentary tools. He was handed over to the CID Minerals, Flora, and Fauna Unit (MFFU) in Mount Darwin, where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a US$200 fine, failing which he would face 60 days of imprisonment.
This incident comes at a time when the Zimbabwean government is clamping down on illegal mining activities. The consequences of riverbed mining have far-reaching environmental impacts, and as Chayambuka’s case shows, authorities are no longer turning a blind eye.
The Zimbabwean government has taken a decisive step by banning all mining and desiltation activities in riverbeds with immediate effect. The move follows increasing concerns over the environmental devastation caused by such practices, including pollution, severe siltation, and the degradation of critical water sources.
During a Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Hon. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information, revealed that large-scale mechanical alluvial mining was responsible for much of the destruction seen in Zimbabwe’s rivers. These mining practices, which have persisted since 2011, have not only disrupted riverine ecosystems but also threatened the nation’s dwindling water resources.
Minister Muswere emphasized, “The destruction of rivers through alluvial mining has resulted in severe environmental consequences, from water pollution to the disruption of ecosystems. The damage has far outweighed any potential benefits.”
The Cabinet acknowledged that rivers such as Nyagadzi, Mazowe, and Insiza have been severely affected, further threatening the country’s water supply. With Bulawayo’s Umzingwane Dam currently sitting at a dangerously low two percent capacity, the urgency of this ban cannot be understated. Illegal mining around water sources is not only contributing to the siltation of dams but also contaminating water supplies—a situation the nation can no longer afford.
The ban on riverbed mining is part of a broader government effort to address the environmental impact of extractive activities in Zimbabwe. The situation in Mount Darwin is just one example of the localized harm caused by individuals seeking short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability.
The Zimbabwean government’s commitment to enforcing the law and protecting natural ecosystems is clear, as seen in Chayambuka’s arrest. The fines and penalties serve as a deterrent, but more importantly, they reflect a wider recognition that without immediate action, the country’s critical resources, especially its water systems, may suffer irreversible damage.
As Zimbabwe battles the effects of climate change, illegal mining, and growing water scarcity, the government’s efforts to regulate mining practices and prioritize environmental protection have never been more critical. Chayambuka’s case serves as a warning to others, as the crackdown on illegal mining intensifies, reinforcing the message that the days of impunity for riverbed mining are over.
