Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
SEVEN cattle have died at Mgagao Farm in Shamva after drinking water contaminated with cyanide that spilled from a nearby mine following heavy rains on Wednesday, raising renewed concerns over mining safety and environmental compliance.
The incident occurred after water suspected to contain cyanide overflowed from Tasik Mine during the downpour, flowing onto a nearby road where the animals later drank.
All seven cattle subsequently died, leaving farmers counting losses and demanding compensation from the mine operators.
“I went to the mine when this incident occurred and from what I have seen, it is not up to standard like other mines. So I want my beast,” one of the cattle owners said.
“Our cattle died and obviously, this is a major setback. Ours was a bull, so you can imagine the loss. The miner has promised compensation, so we hope he will fulfil that promise,” another said.
In response to the incident, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) moved in to contain the situation and prevent further loss.
‘We urgently went to the ground and took samples. We offered the mine to barricade the area and to put hydrosulphate to neutralise their environment. We are also encouraging miners and industrialists to adhere to their environmental plans to have ponds and cut off trenches,” EMA Mashonaland Central Environment and Publicity Officer, Mr Maxwell Mupotsa said.
Tasik Mine has since begun decontaminating the affected area and has committed to compensating the farm for the losses incurred.
The Shamva incident is not isolated. In recent weeks, a similar case resulted in the death of seven more cattle in Shamva and Bindura, bringing the total number of cattle deaths linked to suspected cyanide contamination to 14.
The developments have once again highlighted the urgent need for responsible mining practices and effective co-existence between miners, farmers and surrounding communities.
