WHY are mining authorities allocating claims in protected areas? Why does Zimbabwe lack clear-cut legislation that explicitly outlaws mining activities in these fragile ecosystems?
How many firms are currently conducting mining operations in protected areas?
These critical questions have reignited a fierce public debate following the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority’s (Zimparks) directive to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to reject an application for exclusive prospecting rights in the heart of Hwange National Park.
Hwange National Park, spanning 15 000 square kilometres in the coal-rich Hwange district, is a protected area of immense ecological and economic significance.
At the centre of the latest controversy is the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone, a crucial wildlife sanctuary teeming with biodiversity and a significant contributor to Zimbabwe’s tourism revenue.
Beyond its rich wildlife, Hwange National Park boasts the second-largest elephant population in Africa, drawing global tourists eager to experience the continent’s untamed wilderness.
The Sinamatella region also holds deep cultural and historical significance for the Nambya people. It is home to the Bumbusi Ruins, which were designated a National Monument in 1947. In a bold statement, Zimparks has warned that granting prospecting rights in this area would pose a severe threat to the survival of the endangered black rhino species.
The consequences would extend beyond biodiversity loss, potentially tarnishing Zimbabwe’s tourism brand and exacerbating environmental degradation.
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“This area is a critical habitat for black rhinos and currently supports a growing population of this endangered species, which is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix 1,” Zimparks underscored in a statement last week.
“Tourism is a major revenue generator for the country, and our operations significantly rely on the revenue generated from tourism through leased concessions; thus, any mining operations introduced could adversely affect our ability to deliver quality experiences for tourists.”
This is not the first time mining authorities have given precedence to mining and economic interests ahead of competing ecological and wildlife concerns, thereby attracting a vicious backlash from the public and environmental watchdogs.
In 2020, the Ministry of Mines found itself in the eye of a storm after it granted two mining special grants located in the middle of Sinamatela to Chinese firms.
It is imperative for Zimbabwe to review and harmonise its environmental and mining laws to ensure consistency and clarity. More importantly, authorities must preserve ecologically-sensitive areas for future generations.
