The government has deployed members of the Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Republic Police, and other security forces across the country to protect rivers and other important natural areas that have been harmed by gold smuggling syndicates.
Officials are also starting to seize equipment used in illegal mining operations that damage the environment.
In November 2024, the government passed a law, Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, to ban mining in riverbeds.
Pfungwa Kunaka, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, confirmed the deployment to <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200037066/army-deployed-in-gold-plunder-hotspots-fresh-crackdown-impounds-riverbed-mining-equipment">The Independent</a> but did not say what would happen to the seized equipment. Said Kunaka:
<blockquote>
Arms of the State such as the police and the army and other security forces have been deployed to enforce the Statutory Instrument.
We have operations where some of the equipment has been confiscated and being kept at some known place so that they do not keep mining.
Government took a bold move to ban alluvial mining following serious concerns over environmental degradation and damage to rivers, as well as leakage of the minerals.
The effect of the ban in terms of the statutory instrument is that mining must be undertaken by registered miners.
</blockquote>
Thousands of people in eastern Zimbabwe are without access to clean water due to riverbed mining, which has contaminated water sources with toxic chemicals, leading to widespread health concerns.
James Mupfumi, director of the Centre for Research and Development (CRD), estimates that around 85,000 people in Chimanimani and Mutasa districts are being exposed to polluted water and the risk of disease.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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The army is helping to stop people who are taking gold illegally from rivers. They are also taking away the machines they use. The government made a law to ban mining in rivers in November 2024. This is because mining in rivers is hurting the environment and making people sick. Thousands of people in eastern Zimbabwe don't have clean water because of riverbed mining. The army, police, and other security forces are working together to protect the rivers and help the environment.

Army Deployed To Alluvial Mining Hotspots

The government has gazetted new regulations banning mining activities by individuals granted special permits, in response to the environmental damage caused by alluvial mining along several rivers.
Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024 specifies that anyone found violating these regulations will be considered guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 14, imprisonment for up to twelve months, or both a fine and imprisonment. Reads the Statutory Instrument:
<blockquote>
Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024.
Environmental Management (Control of Alluvial Mining) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 3)
IT is hereby notified that the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife has, in terms of section 140 of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27], and in consultation with the Environmental Management Agency, made the following regulations:—
1. These regulations may be cited as the Environmental Management (Control of Alluvial Mining) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 3).
2. The Environmental Management (Control of Alluvial Mining) Regulations, 2014, published in Statutory Instrument 92 of 2014 (hereinafter called “principal regulations”), are amended by the repeal of section 3 and substitution of the following sections-
<h2>Prohibition of alluvial mining</h2>
3. (1) No person shall, with effect from the promulgation of this section, conduct alluvial mining activities or carry out prospecting for alluvial deposits in or along any river or public stream (as that term is defined in section 2(1) of the Water Act [Chapter 20:24]), whether or not-
(a) they are in possession of-
(i) a special grant; or
(ii) an express written authority of the Minister responsible for administration of the Act granted under exceptional circumstances in terms of Statutory Instrument 92 of 2014; or
(iii) an Environmental Impact Assessment as required by section 97 of the Environmental Management Act that authorises the alluvial mining in question; or
(iv) any authority, permit or licence whatsoever under whatever enactment issued that purports to authorise alluvial mining activities or prospecting for alluvial deposits;
(b) they are implementing an Environmental Management Plan pursuant to an EIA referred to in paragraph (a) (iii);
(2) To avoid doubt, any special grant, written authority, permit, licence, EIA or Environmental Management Plan referred to in subsection (1) that is or purports to be valid or in force immediately before the date of promulgation of this section shall, with effect from such date, cease to be valid or have any force or effect.
(3) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 14 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.
(4) A magistrates’ court convicting any person for contravening subsection (3) shall, on its own motion or on the motion of the prosecutor, order the person convicted to undertake such remedial action as may Seizure pursuant to section 3.
(5) The holder any special grant or written authority referred to in subsection (1)(a) (i) or (ii) who, immediately before the date of promulgation of this section, was lawfully conducting alluvial mining activities or carrying out prospecting for alluvial deposits shall, with effect from the promulgation of this section, immediately cease such activities or prospecting, and must, no later than thirty days of such cessation, have carried out such rehabilitation measures in terms of section 7 as may be appropriate in the circumstances.
(6) Any person who contravenes subsection (5) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 14 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding twelve (12) months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.
<h2>Seizure pursuant to section 3</h2>
3A (1) If a person is charged with contravening section 3(1), any inspector or police officer may seize-
(a) any precious stones or other valuable mineral in the vicinity of any alluvial mining works or in the possession of any person acting in contravention of section 3(1); and
(b) any vehicle, machinery or other equipment or articles used in connection with a contravention of section 3(1);
pending the outcome of the prosecution of the offence.
(2) Where a vehicle, machinery or other equipment or article is seized under subsection (1)(b), and the person from whom it i seized alleges that the vehicle, machinery or other equipment or article used in connection with the offence concerned was availed to him or her by another person who owns the vehicle, machinery or other equipment or article, such property shall neverthelees be liable to be seized and held under this section unless the owner proves to the satisfaction of an inspector or police officer that he or she was unaware that the property in question would be so used.
(3) All property which has been seized under subsection
(1) shall
(a) be taken forthwith and delivered to a place of security under the control of an inspector or police officer; and
(b) be held in custody at the owner’s risk until—
(i) the criminal proceedings in connection with which that property has been seized are abandoned or discontinued or are concluded otherwise than with the conviction of the accused, in which event the custodian inspector or police officer shall forthwith restore such items to the person from whom they were seized or to whom they belong, as may be appropriate;
or
be necessary to rectify any environmental damage caused by the violation of this section, or make an order for damages proven to have been suffered during the course of the prosecution to be paid out for any persons affected by such contravention.
(ii) the criminal proceedings have resulted in the conviction of the accused person, in which event the convicting court may order any such items to be forfeited to the State or returned to the accused person, as it deems fit in the circumstances.
(4) The Agency shall establish and maintain a register of items of property seized under this section, to be known as the seized items register, in which the Agency shall record the following —
(a) a description of seized items including, where necessary their quantity; and
(b) the name of the person from whom they were seized and the place at which they were seized and the reason for seizure; and
(c) the date of seizure; and
(d) the manner of eventual disposal (whether returned to the person referred to in paragraph (b) or forfeited to the State).”
3. The Environmental Management (Control of Alluvial Mining) (Amendment) Regulations, 2021 (No. 2), published in Statutory Instrument 104 of 2021, are repealed.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government has made new rules to stop people with special permits from mining by rivers. Breaking these rules can lead to a big fine or even jail time. The rules say no mining can be done in or near any river, even if you have permission. If you break the rules, your things can be taken away. The new rules aim to protect the environment from damage caused by mining. The old rules from 2021 are no longer valid. The government wants to make sure people follow the new rules to take care of the rivers.

Government Gazettes Ban On Alluvial Mining By Special Permit Holders

The High Court has ordered some miners to cease alluvial mining operations in Penhalonga, Manicaland province, following a challenge by residents aimed at protecting the environment.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), on September 21, 2024, three residents—Peter Dengure Maneswa, Blessing Tafadzwa Chigova, and Treasure Maziti—filed an urgent application at the Mutare High Court against miners Kainos Mhandu and Edson Rainford.
The residents, who were represented by Calexy Maunga and Tatenda Sigauke of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, argued that the miners’ activities violated environmental laws, increasing the risk of flash floods during the upcoming rainy season.
The miners were accused of unlawfully occupying the banks of the Mutare River and conducting operations with two excavators without necessary licenses or authority.
The residents claimed the mining operations infringed on their constitutional rights to property and a safe environment, as their properties border the river.
The mining activities were deemed unlawful due to the absence of lawful authorisation from the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and were being done without securing an Environmental Impact Assessment Certificate, thereby violating the Environmental Management (Control of Alluvial Mining) Regulations, 2014 and the Environmental Management (Control of Alluvial Mining) Amendment Regulations, 2021.
On September 23, 2024, High Court Judge Justice Isaac Muzenda ordered the immediate removal of mining equipment from the Mutare River and prohibited any further mining operations in the area.
The High Court Judge ruled that if the miners failed to comply with the order, the Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff could take necessary actions, including involving the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The High Court told miners to stop mining in Penhalonga to protect the environment. Residents filed a case against miners Kainos Mhandu and Edson Rainford, saying they broke laws and risked floods. The miners were operating without licenses and were on the river banks illegally. The residents said their rights were violated. The judge said stop mining or face police action. Mining was stopped until proper permissions were obtained. Residents and lawyers fought to keep the area safe and peaceful.

High Court Orders Miners To Stop Alluvial Mining In Penhalonga

Residents of Bulawayo’s Ward 2 are outraged by illegal gold panning occurring along the Matsheumhlope River, situated between the Northend and Tegela suburbs, which is resulting in massive environmental degradation.
In a message shared within the community’s Ward 2 WhatsApp group, which was seen by <a href="https://cite.org.zw/illegal-mining-wreaks-havoc-on-matsheumhlope-river/">CITE</a>, resident Helmand Shoko said he was alarmed after discovering the situation during a walk along the river on October 5. He said:
<blockquote>
I witnessed the extent of the destruction being done by gold panners. The environmental damage is now a serious concern. I did not make a citizen’s arrest, but I warned and escorted one of the panners away.
</blockquote>
Shoko urged the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and local councillors to take immediate action, adding that there was a need for regular patrols in vulnerable areas to protect the environment.
Another concerned resident, Dubley, called for community unity and urged residents to organise themselves and make citizen arrests.
He shared his own struggles with a different neighbourhood issue—an ongoing battle to enforce noise regulations.
Dudley explained that it took a lot of effort to prompt local police to take decisive action. He said the lack of broader community support made the challenge even more difficult. He said:
<blockquote>
My neighbour and I had to go through hell before our honourable Officer-In-charge took decisive and strong action to control the noise as per the by-laws. Nobody within this forum supported us in our terrible struggle.
If you want any change to happen -take remedial steps as soon as you see the root causes of the problem. Take steps immediately through the law enforcement agents.
</blockquote>
In an interview with CITE, Ward 2 Councillor Rendani Moyo conceded that there is an increase in illegal mining activities in suburban areas due to a lack of enforcement of relevant laws against the practice. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
I am concerned about the proliferation of illegal mining activities in suburban areas. This points to a lack of enforcement and we are currently in a conversation with other stakeholders to find a solution to this menace.
These activities frequently lead to land degradation, and pollution, and create dangerous open pits, putting residents, particularly children, at risk of injury or even death.
Illegal mining in these areas is not just about extracting resources unlawfully, it is also causing massive damage to our infrastructure and putting people’s lives at risk not to mention the possibility of violence.
</blockquote>
In August 2024, the government of Zimbabwe imposed an immediate ban on riverbed mining or alluvial mining due to its detrimental effects on the environment.
Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said alluvial mining has significantly contributed to water pollution, siltation, and the degradation of river channels, disrupting vital riverine ecosystems.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Illegal gold mining is causing big problems on Matsheumhlope River in Bulawayo. Residents are upset about the damage to the environment. They want the Environmental Management Agency and local councillors to take action. People are also being urged to work together and make citizen arrests. There is concern that illegal mining activities are increasing due to a lack of enforcement of laws. The government has already banned riverbed mining because it is hurting the environment. It's important to protect the river and the people who live nearby.

Illegal Gold Mining Wreaks Havoc On Matsheumhlope River

The Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACT-SA) has condemned the illegal alluvial gold riverbed mining activities taking place at MaDollar dam in the Sessombi area of Zhombe, Kwekwe, disguised as dam scooping, allegedly protected by law enforcement and local authorities.
In a statement, the ACT-SA chairperson Alouis Munyaradzi Chaumba said his organisation and its officials have been threatened by an organised crime syndicate involved in the activities for exposing their illegal mining activities. <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/outrage-over-illegal-alluvial-gold-mining-syndicate-polluting-dams-chinese-chief-and-politicians-fingered-in-unholy-confluence-of-corruption/">Said Chaumba</a>:
<blockquote>
This unholy confluence of corruption, patronage, and state-sanctioned impunity has effectively rendered the illegal mining activities immune to any form of legal consequence, thus perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and injustice that shows no signs of abating.
In an audacious display of audacity and intimidation, Chief Gwesela, a member of the MaDollar dam syndicate and a traditional leader in the region, issued ominous threats against the ACT-SA regional director through WhatsApp.
Despite the gravity of these threats, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, operating out of the Kwekwe Central Police Station, refused to accept a report of the incident from the ACT-SA director, a blatant violation of their duty to uphold the law and ensure the safety of citizens.
</blockquote>
ACT-SA has demanded that all those implicated in illegal alluvial riverbed mining should be held accountable for their actions. Said Chaumba:
<blockquote>
Members of the syndicate conducting these illegal alluvial riverbed mining activities should be held accountable for their actions.
The participation of the Zibagwe Rural District Council’s chief executive officer and Hardrock Mine should be probed, especially on the circumstances that led to the granting of the dam scooping authorisation that appears to have no applicant.
It should also be in the public interest to expose the high profile politically exposed individual or individuals who are alleged to be part of the syndicate and providing protection to all those on the ground.
It is alleged that the syndicate members are openly telling people that they will not stop the illegal mining activities because of the backing that they enjoy from some individuals who have political muscles.
</blockquote>
The ACT-SA report has been shared with several government agencies, including the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the President, calling for an immediate investigation into a syndicate involved in illegal alluvial riverbed mining.
ACT-SA has demanded urgent action from authorities to investigate the issuance of dam scooping authorizations, halt illegal mining, confiscate equipment, and hold perpetrators accountable.
The organisation also called for compensation for affected farmers and accountability for those abusing their power in this matter.
It urged the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and other authorities to thoroughly investigate the involvement of Chinese parties in these illegal activities.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

An organization called ACT-SA is angry about people mining for gold illegally at a dam in Zimbabwe. The group says the mining is polluting the dam and harming the environment. They are mad that some powerful people are protecting the illegal miners. The organization has asked for an investigation into the illegal mining and for the people involved to be punished. They want the government to take action to stop the illegal activities, confiscate equipment, and help the farmers affected. The group also wants to know if Chinese people are involved in the illegal mining.

ACT-SA Condemns Illegal Gold Mining At MaDollar Dam Disguised As Scooping

Riverbed mining is reportedly continuing unabated in Manicaland Province, three weeks after the government announced a ban on alluvial mining.
High-ranking ZANU PF officials and security officials are allegedly at the centre of these activities, which are causing significant environmental destruction.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200031935/securocrats-zanu-pf-bigwigs-in-illegal-mining">Zimbabwe Independent</a>, James Mupfumi, director of the Centre for Research and Development (CRD), claimed that riverbed mining has intensified since the ban was implemented. Said Mupfumi:
<blockquote>
It (riverbed mining) is continuing; It’s lawlessness. They are not accountable to anyone. They are not accountable to the government. It benefits individuals.
It is also happening in Chimanimani. It is happening in Odzi. In Chimanimani, the mining is taking place under the banner of a company (named supplied), which is (allegedly) affiliated with the military. We don’t know where the proceeds are going.
</blockquote>
However, the chairperson of the chrome sector in the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, Tafirei Masuma, told the Zimbabwe Independent the named military firm was not involved in riverbed mining. He said:
<blockquote>
The said military company was never doing riverbed mining. It was rehabilitating damaged portions of rivers in Manicaland under the guidance of the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
They were doing it perfectly in line with the requirements of Ema. It never defied the law. It will never defy the instructions of the government because it is also a state institution.
</blockquote>
Masuma, however, conceded that illegal mining was rampant in Manicaland but maintained that the said military company’s activities were lawful.
The Zimbabwe Independent reported sources as saying despite the ban, advanced equipment continues to devastate Zimbabwe’s rivers, with Odzi and Mutare rivers among hotspots of environmental degradation.
Mupfumi blamed politically connected individuals and alleged security sector-linked entities for perpetuating the illegal mining. He said:
<blockquote>
We expected that after the ban there was going to be a stop and also that there would be measures in place for rehabilitation.
But there is nothing like that. The major concern is the issue of opacity. These are cartels which are protected by political elites.
There are names of people who are exploiting special grants. We have the names. Third parties are showing up claiming that they have been subcontracted to mine by the original holders of the special grants.
</blockquote>
Farai Maguwu, executive director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) said riverbed mining is continuing in spite of the ban. He said:
<blockquote>
It is indeed continuing. In areas such as Penhalonga, we have seen an increase. Small-scale miners have arrived in the area with their equipment. They are digging near the river. Nothing has abated.
There is a need for political will to address the problem. Now, if the senior politicians are benefiting from the environmental carnage that is taking place, it means those Cabinet decisions would merely be rhetoric. We need political will, commitment, and seriousness.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF’s director of information, Farai Marapira, has dismissed allegations that members of the ruling party are fueling illegal mining activities.
Obert Jiri, the permanent secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, who announced the ban, said the ministry has not received any reports regarding illegal mining in Manicaland.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Riverbed mining in Zimbabwe is still happening even though the government banned it. High-ranking officials are involved, causing harm to the environment. Some say a military company is mining legally, but others disagree. The ban has not stopped the use of advanced equipment to mine rivers. Politically connected people are benefitting from the illegal activities. The government says they haven't received reports of illegal mining. Environmentalists are calling for political action to stop the illegal mining. Some officials deny involvement in the illegal activities.

Government Ban Fails To Stop Riverbed Mining

The government of Zimbabwe has imposed an immediate ban on riverbed mining or alluvial mining due to its detrimental effects on the environment.
During a media briefing following the Cabinet meeting in Harare on Tuesday, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said alluvial mining has significantly contributed to water pollution, siltation, and the degradation of river channels, disrupting vital riverine ecosystems. He said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet considered and approved the Report on Alluvial Mining and Rehabilitation of Degraded Rivers, which was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Dr Anxious Masuka, as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Mining and Environment.
Cabinet noted that, ever since its commencement in 2011 across the country’s rural provinces, large-scale and mechanical alluvial mining or riverbed mining has resulted in water pollution, siltation, and degradation of river channels and disruption of riverine ecosystems. Cabinet directed that riverbed mining be banned with immediate effect.
</blockquote>
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka highlighted that some individuals are engaging in illegal riverbed mining without proper registration.
He also noted that many who do register with the relevant authorities fail to comply with legal regulations during their mining activities. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
We have noted three classes of mining companies those that apply legally and adhere then those that apply but do something different, and then there are the illegal ones who just go to the river.
In banning we need to ensure that courts mete out deterrent penalties and fines; we felt that the fines are not deterrent enough and the experience is that some of the companies saw it is better to pay a fine than rehabilitate. It was felt that this was tantamount to environmental theft.
</blockquote>
Alluvial mining involves extracting valuable minerals and resources from riverbeds, floodplains, and other sedimentary deposits. The term “alluvial” describes materials deposited by water, including sand, gravel, and clay.
In Zimbabwe, this practice is prevalent in gold-mining regions and has led to severe environmental consequences, including the “death” of rivers, water pollution that affects both livestock and aquatic life, and increased siltation in rivers and dams.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government of Zimbabwe stopped all riverbed mining because it harms the environment. Mining in rivers causes water pollution and damages river ecosystems. Mining should be done legally, but some people are mining in rivers without permission. The government wants stricter penalties for those who do illegal mining. Alluvial mining in Zimbabwe is common in gold-mining areas and has led to severe environmental problems like polluted water, harmed animals, and dirty rivers and dams. No more mining in rivers in Zimbabwe for now.

Zimbabwe Bans Alluvial Mining

The government has announced a ban on mining activities in national parks and rivers following an uproar over the granting of concessions two Chinese firms to explore for coal in the Hwange National Park.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa announced the ban during the post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday night. She said:
<blockquote>Mining on areas held by national parks is banned with immediate effect. Steps are being undertaken to immediately cancel all mining titles held in national parks.
All riverbed alluvial and riverbed mining on rivers are banned with immediate effect, except on the Save and Angwa rivers where de-siltation will be allowed under very strict conditions.</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa added that all holders of mining claims have to obtain approval of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Environment Ministry and acceptance of site plan works from the Mines Ministry. She said:
<blockquote>All those holding mining concessions will be given a grace period to be announced, to obtain Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and State of Works Plan acceptance by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.
It was noted that the granting of mining concessions through mining claims and on a special grant is not a licence for the resumption of mining.
All holders of mining titles are required to obtain approval of EIA and acceptance of Site Plan Works by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.
This position will be strictly reinforced by the two ministries responsible for Mines and Environment.</blockquote>
Recent reports had indicated that the government granted coal-mining concessions to two Chinese-owned firms, Afrochine Energy and the Zimbabwe Zhongxin Coal Mining Group, to mine coal in the country’s largest game park.
One of the companies was accused of polluting homes, schools, clinics, irrigation schemes and the Deka River in Hwange.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mining-in-parks-rivers-banned/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

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