Clamp down on mining-(15-02-07)

the resurfacing of illegal mining activities and plug loopholes that have caused severe environmental degradation and the leakage of minerals.
The amendment of the Environment Management Act on January 5 helped to facilitate the easy implementation of some sub-sections of the Act, which also saw consultants expected to assist in the write-up of the assessment reports paying a registration fee of $2,5 million.
As a result of these stringent requirements, only serious miners and consultants have submitted their assessment reports for approval. The agency’s spokesperson, Philip Manyaza, said at least 300 miners, who had been operating illegally had their operations halted following the launch of Operation Chikorokoza Chapera/Isitshe-ketsha Sesiphelile last year.
“This (drop in illegal mining activities) was mainly due to the environmental impact assessment certificates, one of the most important tools guiding their operations,” said Manyaza.