Chief Mbiko Masuku of Gwanda has expressed concern over the detrimental effects of h@rmful mining practices on livestock farmers in the region.
Animals have been sl@ughtered and b+rned due to water contamination from mining residues and chemicals.
Additionally, the livestock mortality rate has increased as animals fall into mining pits, causing further losses for local farmers.
As someone personally impacted by this issue, Chief Masuku stressed the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to promote responsible mining practices and environmental preservation.
Chief Masuku shared these thoughts at a gathering between the Zimbabwe Mining Safety Health Environmental Council (Zimshec) and the Gwanda Rural District Council.
Zimshec, a non-profit non-governmental organisation, is leading awareness campaigns on responsible mining practices and other interventions targeting small-scale and artisanal miners.
He said losses to preventable human-induced disasters were heart-breaking.
“Mining has improved lives but it has affected other sectors,” he said.
“If done orderly we will all be happy. All stakeholders must co-ordinate and spare no efforts to achieve proper mining practices that protect and benefit all.”
Extensive artisinal mining practices take place in most areas around Gwanda and Bulawayo where open defecation is blamed for measles.
“We applaud the Zimshec initiative,” Masuku said.
“This can bring sanity in mining activities and bring harmony between mines and farmers. We hope our government departments and other stakeholders work together and save the environment,” Chief Masuku said.
Zimshec executive director Makumba Nyenje said they wanted to educate miners on the importance of responsible mining.
“We believe that zero h@rm of the miners and environment is achievable if we all put our minds to it,” he said.
In addition to advocacy efforts, Zimshec is actively providing training to small-scale and artisanal miners on rescue missions, personal safety, and environmental protection.
The organisation also offers courses at Bulawayo’s School of Mines and other universities to further educate miners on responsible practices.
Phathiswa Ncube, the chairperson of Gwanda RDC, emphasized the significance of these interventions in protecting the environment.
“We are worried about conflicts between farmers and miners,” he added.
“We hope solutions will be found where laws can speak to each other for harmonious relations between miners and farmers. We are concerned about dis3ases, mining acc!dents where there is loss of lives.”
Matabeleland South chairperson of small-scale miners Philemon Mokuele, who is also a director of Zimshec, echoed similar sentiments.
SOURCE : SOUTHERN EYE
