Engage communities to stop riverbed mining: Stakeholders – Newsday Zimbabwe

In August this year, the government announced a ban on alluvial and riverbed mining in a bid to prevent environmental degradation.

THE GOVERNMENT has been called on to involve communities in the fight against riverbed mining after authorities banned the practice.

In August this year, the government announced a ban on alluvial and riverbed mining in a bid to prevent environmental degradation.

The government first announced the ban in 2020, but the implementation has continued unabated in recent years.

Deterrent penalties will be imposed on offenders, including confiscation of mining equipment, cabinet says

Riverbed mining will continue despite the ban because there is no community engagement to stop it, stakeholders told delegates at the ongoing Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba in Bulawayo, organized by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association, on Tuesday.

Phanuel Mangisi, director of the Environmental Management Agency, said stopping riverbed mining needs the support of various stakeholders.

“This statement is not new. There have been other legal regulations made before, but these have never helped stop riverbed mining,” he said.

“This is low-hanging fruit that small-scale miners will always want to take a chance on. Stakeholder participation is needed.”

Zimbabwe School of Mines lecturer Nomasiko Mpofu said the devastating effects of riverbed mining on the environment

“The ecosystem is being destroyed. We need more community watchdogs because this is their environment,” Mpofu said.

“Artisanal miners still use cyanide. “There is a need to increase accountability and strengthen communities.”

Tatenda Manganda, representative of the ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said alluvial mining has been suspended due to serious environmental degradation and disputes between farmers and miners.

“It was suspended due to pressure from civil groups, miners use hazardous chemicals that pose a danger to livestock and communities. Legislation is being prepared to address mining activity,” he said.

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