Gold hunters invade Christmas Pass mountain

The resurgence of illegal gold mining at Christmas Pass Mountain has triggered alarm among residents in Mutare, who warn of potential mudslides, water contamination, and severe environmental degradation if the activities continue.

The mountain, a key natural landmark overlooking the city, is now at the centre of growing tensions as mining activities—some reportedly taking place at night—have been observed alongside what appear to be daytime "rehabilitation works."

Local residents, led by the chairperson of the Greater Toronto Residents Association, Shepherd Mvundura, have raised concerns that the rehabilitation efforts are being misused to mask renewed mining operations. He said heavy machinery has been deployed on the mountain without proper community consultation, despite earlier assurances that mining had been halted.

Authorities have confirmed that the matter is under investigation. The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, said his office is actively addressing the issue.

The Manicaland Provincial Mining Director, Sibongubuhle Mpindiwa, stated that all mining activities in the Christmas Pass area were officially suspended, and any ongoing operations would be considered illegal. However, she noted that some activity on the ground may be linked to a rehabilitation licence issued by the Environmental Management Agency.

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) confirmed that a rehabilitation order was issued to a company following previous illegal mining without an approved Environmental Impact Assessment. According to EMA provincial spokesperson Alice Rutsvara, the rehabilitation work was halted after reports emerged of suspected illegal mining taking place under the guise of restoration efforts.

EMA has since issued a stop order and launched investigations into the alleged night-time operations. The agency emphasised that all rehabilitation must comply with environmental regulations and is being monitored under the Environmental Management Act.

Despite these interventions, evidence suggests that illegal mining has persisted in the area for some time. Reports indicate that extensive underground tunnelling, the construction of makeshift infrastructure, and the use of hazardous chemicals such as cyanide have already caused visible environmental damage.

The once lush and forested slopes of Christmas Pass are now marked by exposed red soil, deep excavations, and visible scars that threaten both the ecosystem and nearby communities. The damaged landscape has raised concerns about the stability of the mountain, particularly with the risk of heavy rains triggering landslides.

The area's proximity to residential zones, including Toronto, as well as educational institutions like the Hillcrest group of schools, heightens fears of potential disaster. Residents warn that further expansion of mining activities could also impact neighbouring suburbs such as Fairbridge and Murambi.

As investigations continue, authorities and residents alike are calling for urgent and decisive action to halt illegal mining, enforce environmental protections, and restore the integrity of the Christmas Pass ecosystem before irreversible damage occurs.