10 January 2025
Environment Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Bulawayo – The affluent suburb of Mqabuko Heights has become a hotspot for illegal gold mining, with miners digging up to six metres deep in search of precious metals. Two miners were observed working quietly in a vast pit, large enough to contain a three-roomed house, as they chipped away at rocks with rudimentary tools, preparing to transport their findings to an undisclosed milling site via a nearby bicycle.
Despite ongoing police raids and efforts by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), these activities continue largely unchecked, raising alarm among local residents.
“They usually work in the middle of the night but have stopped using explosives to avoid drawing attention. Serious buyers will hesitate to invest in properties here because of the gold panners,” said Mr. Alice Mombeshora, a concerned resident of Mqabuko Heights.
The illegal mining issue is not isolated to Mqabuko Heights; other suburbs such as Queenspark, New Parklands, and Killarney are also grappling with the detrimental effects of unregulated mining operations.
In Queenspark, residents reported that gold panners remain active even during heavy rains.
“The pits are under electricity pylons between Queenspark and Mahatshula. Recently, they used a fuel-powered generator to pump out rainwater so they could keep working,” noted Mr. Alex Maphisa, a resident of Queenspark.
Tragically, the dangers associated with illegal mining have resulted in fatalities. In December, Shelton Ndlovu, a 20-year-old, drowned in a pit filled with rainwater in Umzingwane District. Additionally, violent clashes between rival mining groups have occurred, including a confrontation last May near Cement Siding, which left two people dead and several injured.
“The fight erupted at Willsgrove East Mine over newly discovered gold deposits,” reported local sources.
The suburb of Killarney has also witnessed a rise in illegal mining, with panners employing compressors, picks, and shovels to extract gold.
“Gold buyers visit the site daily to purchase the ore,” revealed a panner from a local squatter camp.
Mr. Wellington Takavarasha, chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, highlighted the legal requirements for mining operations.
“A mine must be at least one kilometre from residential areas and miners must obtain a blasting licence from the Ministry of Mines. Community consent is also required before mining begins,” he explained.
The EMA plays a critical role in enforcing mining regulations. Ms. Amkela Sidange, EMA spokesperson, stated,
“Illegal mining activities can encompass both established mining companies and the typical pick-and-shovel kind of mining. However, EMA conducts regular raids to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations governing the industry.”
Ms. Sidange further emphasized the environmental implications of illegal mining, stating,
“Mining results in the loss of ecological ecosystems in the form of trees and biodiversity. It’s important to make sure that all environmental-related regulations are adhered to.”
As illegal mining persists in Bulawayo’s suburbs, the community remains concerned about its impact on property values, safety, and the environment. The situation calls for urgent intervention from authorities to address these challenges and restore peace in the affected neighborhoods.