Penhalonga community worried about hazardous mining

WE the undersigned note with concern the following: That from January to October 12, 2020, Redwing Mine contracted a company called Prime Royal Africa (PRA) to set up mining syndicates and exploit shallow open pits (free digging) targeting reef outcrops across the 1 254 hectares of Redwing concession without undertaking an environmental impact assessment (EIA) process.

Section 97 of the Environmental Management Act obliges mining companies to undertake an EIA and apply for an EIA certificate to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) before the commencement of mining activities. Redwing Mining Company only has a valid environmental management plan for underground mining.

The Penhalonga community is concerned about a sharp increase in crime, physical violence, sexual abuse of young girls, prostitution, and the spread of diseases by artisanal miners subcontracted by PRA.

Manipulation of local government agencies by political elites occupying high offices in central government is making it difficult for EMA, Mines ministry and rural district councils to regulate mining activities.

That Redwing Mining Company has handpicked residents to participate in the EIA public consultative meetings on the proposed surface mining and milling project.

Information about the EIA public consultative meetings was not publicly shared, especially with over 2 955 households with an estimated population of 6 000 in Penhalonga low-density residential areas, Mahwemasimike, Tsvingwe high, medium and lowdensity residential areas who will be directly affected by surface mining operations if the project is allowed to continue.

Local environmental experts have warned that a high level of skills is required in managing such open pits. Open pits have the potential of compromising the foundations of mountains by weakening rocks and soil.

The pressure of rainwater moving into open pits can trigger environmental disasters such as landslides, mudslides, and rockslides. The activity will also expose residents to air and noise pollution which will compromise people’s health.

The government must table the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill and the Provincial and Metropolitan Councils Bill in Parliament to enable citizens to contribute to reforms that protect human rights in natural resource exploitation in Zimbabwe. Centre for Research and Development