Rutendo Chirume

Government says significant progress has been made in enforcing the 2024 ban on alluvial mining along degraded riverbanks, with focus now shifting to the rehabilitation of affected sites as reports indicate strides in curbing the practice.

In a Post-Cabinet Briefing dated September 9, authorities noted that operations to eliminate alluvial mining were ongoing across provinces.

Since the activity has largely ceased, attention is now on restoring areas severely damaged by mining, guided by the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP).

“Since alluvial mining has largely ceased, attention has now shifted to the rehabilitation of degraded sites, with liability for the rehabilitation being borne by the perpetrators through the PPP.

“To enforce this, the framework shall be strengthened through the development of appropriate regulations and the reinforcement of the existing legislative framework. Legislative reform will be expedited to ensure environmental justice and accountability in the public interest,” reads part of the Cabinet minutes.

Cabinet further noted that no sites requiring rehabilitation were identified in Matabeleland North, Masvingo, Bulawayo and Harare Metropolitan provinces.

“Meanwhile, Government continues to heighten monitoring, evaluation, and enforcement mechanisms,” the statement added.

However, despite the official position that alluvial mining has largely ceased, evidence from several river systems across Zimbabwe suggests otherwise.

Artisanal miners reportedly continue operating, in some cases under the watch of local authorities.

Critics argue that while government has promised stronger monitoring, evaluation, and legislative reforms, similar commitments have been made in the past with limited follow-through.

The Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG) has raised concern over what it calls a lack of strong political will to enforce Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024.

“Alluvial mining remains rampant in Manicaland and Midlands provinces, particularly along the Runde, Mutare and Odzi rivers,” said CNRG.

Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024 is the Environmental Management (Control of Alluvial Mining) (Amendment) Regulations, which establishes a nationwide ban on alluvial mining in and along rivers and public streams to combat severe environmental damage, including water pollution and siltation.