Illegal mining syndicate in Chimanimani busted

Sixteen artisanal miners, including nine Chinese nationals, were arrested last week for illegal gold mining along the Haroni River in Vimba, Chimanimani, as police ramped up efforts to enforce the nationwide ban on alluvial mining along rivers and public streams.

The arrests followed a government crackdown under Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, which imposes stiff penalties, including fines of at least US$5,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both, for those caught mining illegally. Equipment used in the offences is also subject to seizure pending prosecution.

During the operation, police confiscated an array of sophisticated mining equipment reportedly belonging to an unnamed Chinese company operating unlawfully in the area. Seized assets included five tipper trucks, a Hino fuel tanker, three excavators, two front-end loaders, a gold wash plant, fuel tanks, solar panels, pressure compressors, and heaps of gold ore.

The move comes after years of environmental concerns from communities along the Haroni River. Villagers and environmental groups have repeatedly raised alarms over mercury contamination, livestock deaths, aquatic life destruction, and the dangers posed by deep, unclaimed pits. The contamination extends beyond Zimbabwe's borders, with Mozambican authorities in Mossurize District flagging polluted water flowing downstream.

Chief Superintendent Edmore Kelosi, Officer Commanding Police in Chipinge and Chimanimani, confirmed that operations to curb illegal mining are ongoing. "Law enforcement agents have confiscated equipment used in illegal mining operations, and arrests have been made, with suspects appearing in court. We will continue with these operations until normalcy is fully restored," he said.

Eleven of the suspects appeared before Chimanimani magistrate Regis Mawarire, facing charges of conducting illegal alluvial mining. However, the court ruled that the Chinese company, rather than individual employees, should bear responsibility, leading to the acquittal of the accused miners. A company representative, Tinashe Neganje, was subsequently charged under the statutory instrument and was expected back in court. Six Chinese nationals were fined US$200 each for contravening the Immigration Act for working without valid permits, with jail time as an alternative if fines were not paid.

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) also fined the Chinese company US$2,000 for operating without an Environmental Impact Assessment, a requirement designed to mitigate potential environmental and social risks from mining activities.

Communities in Ward 22 and surrounding areas expressed anger over the miners' operations, noting that the company had set up camps on their fields and polluted rivers previously used for swimming and fishing. Local opinion leader Godfrey Hlabiso described how villagers confronted the miners after attempts to access official documentation failed.

"People bitterly complained, and military personnel manning the border intervened. The company dug trenches to block access, but we demanded operations stop until an all-inclusive meeting was held with the community," Hlabiso said.

The Haroni River basin has suffered extensive environmental damage due to unregulated gold panning, including mercury pollution, destruction of aquatic habitats, and soil degradation. Banana plantations and other local crops have been affected, with water sources rendered unsafe for irrigation and domestic use.

Despite repeated interventions, illegal miners continue to operate with impunity, and vendors have set up permanent operations, selling goods at inflated prices to the miners. Authorities have vowed to maintain pressure on illegal operations, emphasizing that ongoing enforcement and community cooperation are key to restoring order in the region.