China Zim International mining company, which was operating without an Environmental Impact Assessment report, was issued with a $5000 fine.
According to an EMA report released by EMA, two villagers entered into an agreement with China Zim International for it to mine in their fields for a period of two years and were paid amounts ranging from $1000-$1500.
In an Interview with this paper, EMA public relations officer, Timothy Nyoka, confirmed that the mining company did not alert the relevant authorities, including the District Administrator for Mberengwa, concerning their activities.
“We gave them a ticket worth $5000 and ordered them to stop because they were mining without an Environmental Impact Assessment Report. They were also mining without the knowledge of relevant local authorities in the District,” said Nyoka. The report states that the major reason for the two famers entering into these agreements with the Chinese was because of drought. However, they were unaware that they would not be able to conduct any farming activities over the next two years.
Nyoka encouraged new mining companies to ensure they have necessary documentation to operate.
Post published in: News