Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has intensified awareness and monitoring campaigns aimed at improving compliance levels in the mining sector, which have remained low, particularly among small-scale miners.
The renewed drive comes amid recurring mine accidents, environmental pollution, and land degradation, prompting EMA to step up enforcement and education efforts across affected districts.
Recent blitz operations, which targeted Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East provinces, have already covered more than 200 mining sites in Goromonzi, where the authority says compliance levels have shown marked improvement.
Speaking after the inspections, EMA Mashonaland East spokesperson, Mr Astas Mabwe, said the two-week operation conducted in May revealed encouraging progress among previously non-compliant miners.
“As EMA, we carried out a blitz operation that spanned Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East during the last two weeks of May. During the operation, we observed that most miners who were previously non-compliant are now adhering to environmental regulations,” said Mr Mabwe.
“In Goromonzi, several mines are performing well, and we have been working with them over the years. Chibamu Mine, for example, has significantly improved in its environmental management, including hazardous substances handling, water and effluent management, as well as cyanidation pond controls.”
He added that the authority had noted improved safety and environmental safeguards at the mine, particularly in relation to accident prevention and waste management systems.
“Their cyanidation tanks are properly managed, and even at the shaft, improvements have been made to enhance safety. They have constructed cut-off trenches to prevent spillage during rainfall, thereby protecting the environment,” he said.
Mr Mabwe said EMA’s approach is not solely punitive, but also supportive, particularly for registered operators who engage with regulatory authorities.
“An informal mine may not receive regular inspections or technical support, but once a mine is registered, government institutions are able to engage and provide guidance in various ways to support compliance,” he said.
Chibamu Mine management says continued engagement with EMA has contributed to significant improvements in safety standards and environmental protection measures at the site.
Mine Manager, Mr Cuthbert Mugunyani, said the mine has prioritised occupational safety and structured operational procedures to enhance efficiency and reduce risk.
“In terms of safety and management, we have put in place measures to ensure that all employees are equipped with protective clothing. We conduct regular training sessions to educate staff on safety standards and operational procedures,” he said.
“We have also installed signage across the mine and developed standard operating procedures, including drilling and blasting protocols. All drillers are trained and licensed for blasting operations, while shaft timber men are deployed to reinforce safety before work commences.”
Mr Mugunyani added that the mine has improved underground infrastructure to enhance ventilation and reduce occupational hazards.
“Our tunnels measure 1.8 by 1.5 metres, allowing for safer and more efficient movement underground. Ventilation has also been improved to ensure gases from blasting dissipate quickly,” he said.
“We have also constructed bunding walls around cyanide processing areas to prevent any spillage during rainfall, ensuring that contaminated water does not run off into the surrounding environment.”
Non-compliance within the mining sector has remained a major challenge in Zimbabwe, contributing to environmental degradation and a high number of mine-related accidents in recent years.
