EMA Confirms Kitsiyatota Water Contamination, Yet Turns Blind Eye to Illegal Cyanide Mining

Water sources at Kitsiyatota in Mashonaland Central have been confirmed contaminated by unregulated mining activities linked to Botha Mine and associated entities, raising alarm over environmental safety and regulatory enforcement, this publication has established.

An official test report from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), dated 19 March 2026 and addressed to Phoenix Prince Mine, reveals that a water sample collected on 12 March 2026 for ambient monitoring was classified in a non-compliant band under the Environmental Management (Effluent and Solid Waste Disposal) Regulations, SI 6 of 2007. The findings point to pollution consistent with the use of cyanide and other hazardous chemicals associated with gold processing.

Quoting the report, EMA stated: "The results indicate that the water sample is classified in the following band (bold parenthesis) of the Environmental Management (Effluent and Solid Waste Disposal) Regulations SI 6 of 2007." While the agency attached a disclaimer noting that its interpretations fall outside the scope of SADCAS accreditation, the chemical results themselves clearly confirm a breach of environmental standards.

Investigations by this publication reveal that several large-scale operators are conducting cyanide-based vat leaching activities without the legally required Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Among the major players cited are Capegem Mining, Blacksand Mining, Ouro Tanque and Prowatch, all of whom are reportedly using cyanide despite not possessing approved EIAs for their operations.

Further compounding the risk, these entities are also operating without Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans (EMMPs), meaning there are no authorised systems in place to contain or manage hazardous waste. Experts warn that this exposes surrounding communities, water bodies and wildlife to severe contamination risks, as toxic substances are handled without regulated safeguards.

Despite the gravity of the findings, EMA Mashonaland Central has taken no visible action to halt what sources describe as widespread and ongoing environmental degradation at Kitsiyatota. The apparent inaction has sparked concern among local stakeholders, who fear the situation could escalate into a full-blown ecological and public health crisis.

Contacted for comment, despite the availability of official documents from the agency outlining the issue, EMA's EIA and Ecosystems Manager Mr Phanuel Mangisi said he was not aware of the issue. "I'm not sure, I'm not aware, maybe you need to speak to our PR manager," he said.

The developments have revived memories of a similar environmental disaster in Bindura last year, when a spillage from Ran Mine resulted in the death of fish and other aquatic life along the Pote River, threatening both community livelihoods and wildlife.

With contamination now confirmed at Kitsiyatota and unregulated cyanide use continuing unchecked, serious questions' are being raised about EMA's enforcement role, as communities remain exposed to polluted water sources and escalating environmental harm.