By EnviroPress Reporter

Illegal gold mining in Ward 23 of Chivi South has reached alarming levels, with miners now panning gold from small streams that feed into the Tende River.

This is occurring despite a government ban on riverbed mining, raising serious concerns about regulatory enforcement and the potential environmental impact on the local dam project and its water sources.

The working of alluvial deposits of a designated mineral is subject to an order issued by the Mining Affairs Board in terms of section 225 of the Mines and Minerals Act which imposes strict environmental conditions including the rehabilitation of the surface of any land worked.

However, government has promulgated Statutory Instrument (SI) 188 of 2024, banning riverbed or alluvial mining outright. Under the SI, even holders of existing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), special grants, or permits are required to cease operations to protect river ecosystems, curb water pollution, and prevent infrastructure damage.

In a related development, illegal miners at Chasiyatende Business Centre continue to discharge chemically contaminated wastewater into streams flowing toward the Tende River. This persists despite recent visits from the Masvingo provincial mining directorate, which reportedly issued fines to several offenders.

The uncontrolled release of chemical-laced wastewater continues to expose local communities, livestock, and the surrounding ecosystem to severe health and ecological risks.