The coal mining company is one of several coal exploration companies which were controversially granted special licences to prospect coal and coal-bed methane gas in the vast Hwange national park and Binga areas. They were allegedly releasing waste water into water bodies, placing the lives of both humans and wildlife in danger.
Workers at the mining company told The Zimbabwean that the company ceased operations last week after EMA officials found it violating environmental regulations.
“EMA officials were here last week and had a meeting with our management. After the meeting the officials ordered the closure of the mine. The EMA officials say the mine will only be allowed to open after addressing its waste water management system,” said one of the workers at the company. The worker said the company was operating without an Environmental Impact Assessment certificate.
EMA’s director of environment protection, Petronella Shoko, confirmed the closure.
“We have fined them several times but they continue to carry out a prescribed project without an EMA certificate. We have given them another order to stop any further activity at that place,” said Shoko.
Since the commencement of the coal exploration by the mining companies in this wildlife rich area, there has been an outcry from environmentalists, wildlife conservationists and the local communities following an in increase in cases of environmental degradation and water pollution.
Some of the companies have been accused of mining near boreholes and drinking water pans for wild animals, raising strong fears that the water bodies might be contaminated.
Lukosi and Deka rivers are said to be the most affected by the pollution. Despite concerns from environmentalists and local communities, Mines and Mining Development minister, Obert Mpofu is adamant that the new coal mines are a major milestone for the region’s growth.
Post published in: Business
was the mining company privatelly owned or it was a government company? please reply as soon as possible, thank you.