Mining operations in the gold-rich area of Penhalonga have been suspended following a significant court ruling that ordered a halt to alluvial mining activities on the banks of the Mutare River.
The decision comes after three residents of the area, supported by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), filed an urgent chamber application at the Mutare High Court to protect their environment and properties from unlawful mining operations.
In their legal challenge, Penhalonga residents Peter Dengure Maneswa, Blessing Tafadzwa Chigova, and Treasure Maziti argued that the miners, Kainos Mhandu and Edson Rainford, were carrying out gold mining activities without proper authorization, endangering the community and local environment.
The residents, who live in the Managers Hill area, claimed that Mhandu and Rainford had illegally occupied riverbanks, using excavators to mine for gold.
“We are committed to protecting the environment,” ZLHR said in a statement, adding that it had successfully secured a court order against the mining companies. “The mining operations conducted by Mhandu and Rainford were unlawful as they lacked the necessary permits, including an Environmental Impact Assessment Certificate. This ruling is a victory for the residents and a reminder that environmental laws must be upheld.”
The residents’ legal team argued that the mining activities were infringing upon their constitutional rights, including the right to property as guaranteed under Section 71 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, and their environmental rights under Section 73.
They further pointed out that their perimeter fences had been damaged due to the mining operations, raising concerns about the long-term impact on their livelihoods.
“The miners not only violated environmental regulations but also compromised our right to live in a safe and secure environment,” said one of the residents, who preferred to remain anonymous. “Our homes are on the riverbanks, and the destruction caused by these illegal operations is a direct threat to us.”
ZLHR stated that the judgment sends a strong message to those seeking to profit from illegal mining activities at the expense of environmental sustainability.
The lawyers emphasized that the operations violated Zimbabwe’s Environmental Management (Control of Alluvial Mining) Regulations, 2014, which require an Environmental Impact Assessment for such activities.
