A Chinese company, operating under the guise of an environmental partnership, has been exposed for misleading Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management Agency (EMA) while engaging in illegal gold mining along the Umzingwane River.
The company, known as Friends of the Environment, initially positioned itself as an ally in rehabilitating pits left by artisanal miners. However, investigations revealed that instead of land restoration, the firm was secretly conducting mining activities, damaging key infrastructure and worsening water shortages in Matabeleland South.
Following the revelations, EMA swiftly terminated its partnership with the company, but concerns remain over whether legal action will be taken against those responsible. The controversy surfaced after a visit to the affected areas by Tafadzwa Muguti, Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution. Muguti, who toured major dam catchment zones, witnessed firsthand the environmental devastation caused by illicit mining operations.
“The destruction is alarming,” said Muguti. “We had a Chinese company here, Friends of the Environment, working with EMA. But by day, they were closing pits, and by night, they were illegally mining.”
One of the most significant impacts of the firm’s operations was the destruction of a 150-meter bridge at the confluence of the Umzingwane and Inyankuni rivers. Local officials say the collapse of the bridge has worsened water inflows into critical reservoirs, directly affecting Bulawayo’s water supply. Despite recent rains, the city’s dams have seen minimal replenishment, as illegal mining continues to disrupt river flow.
Muguti confirmed that the government has issued a directive for stricter enforcement against illegal alluvial mining. “This is a disaster,” he declared, emphasizing that the bridge collapse has exacerbated Bulawayo’s ongoing water crisis.
While Zimbabwe has experienced a surge in Chinese mining investments, Muguti warned that not all foreign investors have the country’s long-term interests at heart. “Not everyone is coming here for the benefit of Zimbabwe,” he cautioned.
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart also weighed in on the issue, warning that continued illegal mining could cripple the city’s water security. During a recent community meeting in Nkulumane, Coltart shared his personal investigation into the crisis.
“I rode my bicycle 40 kilometers to Umzingwane Dam,” he recounted. “I was shocked to find that not a single stream was flowing, despite the recent rains. The reason? Illegal gold panning.”
The environmental fallout from such activities remains a pressing concern, with communities like Bulawayo facing the risk of severe water shortages if urgent action is not taken.
