SW Radio Africa news - The Independent Voice of Zimbabwe
Two Chinese mining companies have been accused of causing extensive environmental degradation in Matabeleland South, including causing siltation in the Insiza and Umzingwane rivers, which are a source of livelihood for many families.
Both Tanzanite Mining and Yuan Hang Corporation operated in the province for most of this year without environmental accreditation. Tanzanite operated at the Killarner Mine in Insiza South from May this year, while Yuan Hang operated at Special Grant 5780 Mine at Hlangano Ranch in Mbalabala from August.
So extensive is the damage caused by the Chinese that the government has had to close the two mines, following protests from the affected villagers.
A media tour organised by the ministry of environment found that the Chinese were mining within the river beds and banks, something which has led to siltation and affected the natural flow of water. Both Silalatshani and Potberry Irrigation Schemes, which are supplied by the Insiza and Umzingwane Rivers, are already experiencing the consequences of the Chinese activities.
A Southern Eye report on Monday quoted villagers and experts saying despite the expulsion of the Chinese extensive damage to the environment had already been done.
Matebeleland South environmental manager Sithembile Ndlovu said the Chinese diverted a 300m stretch of the Umzingwane river bed and 400m of the Insiza river bed. Umzingwane district agricultural officer Judiah Ncube said ‘there is need for sand abstraction to restore the natural flow of the river’. Ncube also said there was not much taking place at the irrigation schemes because of the shortage of water.
The Silalatshani Irrigation Scheme is a source of livelihood for about 850 families while Potberry sustains approximately 100 families. Albert Ncube, a freelance journalist who toured the affected areas, told SW Radio Africa that the destruction involved the spillage of oil and other chemicals, like mercury, something which has compromised the quality of water.
According to experts mercury, which is used in gold processing, affects the body’s nerve system and children can be born deformed.
Ncube said slurry has also accumulated along the abandoned mining areas leading to livestock being trapped to death. In some areas, Ncube said, indigenous trees and grass have been destroyed for over 500 meters. He added that the villagers were furious with the mining commissioner who is said to have granted licences to the Chinese companies without any environmental assessment being carried out.