The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has taken enforcement action against two mining companies operating without the required environmental impact assessment (EIA) certificates. Mupfure Mining Syndicate and Glesson Construction Company were both fined and temporarily shut down for failing to comply with environmental regulations.
Mupfure Mining Syndicate was fined $15,000, while Glesson Construction Company was issued a $5,000 fine. The companies will only be allowed to resume operations once they pay the fines, conduct proper environmental assessments, and obtain the necessary EIA approvals and certifications from EMA.
EMA's education and publicity officer, Mr. Astas Mabwe, emphasized that the EIA certificate is crucial, as it helps decision-makers understand the economic, environmental, and social impacts of a project, both in the short and long term. He stressed that miners must implement environmentally sound practices and comply with the law.
Mr. Mabwe acknowledged the importance of the mining sector to the province's and nation's economic development. However, he stated that companies must conduct their business within the confines of Zimbabwean laws. EMA will remain vigilant and proactive in shutting down any illegal activities that threaten the environment.
The officer urged all miners to seek guidance from EMA before implementing projects that could potentially harm the environment. He emphasized that the cost of rehabilitating a degraded environment is much higher than preventing environmental degradation in the first place.
