- Parks Orders Mines Ministry to Reject, Never Entertain Mining Applications targeting mining in the Hwange National Park
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has called on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to reject any application for mining activities in Hwange National Park, specifically targeting the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone.
ZimParks has also urged the Ministry to never entertain similar applications in the future to safeguard this critical wildlife habitat, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The Sinamatella region, a crucial sanctuary for the endangered black rhino, holds a growing population of the species, which is listed under the *Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix I.* Mining activities in the area, according to ZimParks, would exacerbate the risk of extinction for the black rhino and hinder prospects of population recovery.
“The proposed mining project will actually increase the risk of species extinction, and prospects of population recovery will be negatively affected,” a ZimParks statement read.
Beyond its potential impact on black rhinos, ZimParks expressed deep concerns about the degradation of land in the region. The Sinamatella zone is part of Hwange National Park, home to Africa’s second-largest elephant population and other key wildlife species. The introduction of mining would undermine ecological conditions crucial for wildlife survival and reproduction.
In line with Zimbabwe’s commitment to restoring at least 30% of degraded terrestrial and inland water ecosystems by 2030, ZimParks stressed that approving mining activities in this sensitive area would derail progress in wildlife conservation. The move would also tarnish Zimbabwe’s global reputation as a leader in sustainable conservation.
The potential damage extends beyond conservation. Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s prime tourist destinations, and ZimParks warned that mining activities would severely affect tourism, a major revenue generator for the country. Noise, air, and land pollution created by mining would not only disrupt wildlife movement but also diminish the quality of visitor experiences.
“Our operations significantly rely on the revenue generated from tourism through leased concessions; thus, any mining operations introduced could adversely affect our ability to deliver quality experiences for tourists,” ZimParks stated.
Furthermore, ZimParks highlighted the broader risks of mining in the area, including increased poaching incidents and interference with groundwater flow. This disruption could threaten water sources essential for wildlife, worsening existing water shortages and leading to higher mortality rates among species. In turn, this could intensify human-wildlife conflicts in surrounding communities.
Sinamatella is also home to the historic Bumbusi Ruins, which hold significant cultural and historical value for the local Nambian-speaking communities. Annual cultural rituals and rain-making ceremonies are performed by traditional leaders, and mining activities could endanger this important cultural heritage.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized that the organization will continue to advocate for the protection of critical wildlife habitats and uphold its commitment to conservation for the benefit of future generations.
As Zimbabwe grapples with balancing economic development and environmental conservation, the outcome of this appeal will be a telling sign of the nation’s priorities.
