Zimbabwe Minister Warns Chinese-Owned Mines Against Environmental Law Violations

Strategic Insights -

The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mangaliso Ndlovu, has expressed concerns over environmental degradation in the Chegutu Rural District, where four Chinese-owned companies are operating. During a recent tour of the sites, Minister Ndlovu warned the companies to conform with environmental laws and regulations, citing Section 73 of the constitution, which emphasizes the government's responsibility to safeguard the environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Minister Ndlovu visited four Chinese-owned companies in Chegutu Rural District, including Afro-Shin, Sunn Yi Feng, Jingston mines, and Norton Bricks company, to assess environmental compliance.
  • The companies were found to be violating environmental laws and regulations, with issues including low compliance with Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), pollution, and extraction of sand from illegal sites.
  • Minister Ndlovu stated that the government would not tolerate environmental law violations and would fine the companies accordingly, while also helping them to regularize their operations.
  • The companies were also given recommendations by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to address specific issues, such as the installation of a perimeter fence at Afro-Shin mine.
  • The local community has petitioned the Ministry to intervene, citing health and environmental concerns related to the companies' activities.

Statistics:

  • Four Chinese-owned companies are operating in Chegutu Rural District, with concerns over environmental law compliance.
  • 3 of the companies (Afro-Shin, Jingston mines, and Norton Bricks company) were not present when the delegation visited, despite being informed of the tour.
  • The EMA has provided recommendations to Afro-Shin mining manager, Laston Mlauzi, to address environmental concerns.
  • The local community has presented a petition to Minister Ndlovu, with concerns over pollution, health risks, and environmental degradation.

Sources:

  • Zimbabwe's Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mangaliso Ndlovu
  • Mashonaland West Minister of State, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka
  • Environmental Management Agency (EMA)
  • Zimbabwe's government
  • The Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry
  • The local community in Chegutu Rural District