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Writes Elvis Dumba
Banket – Concerned residents of Banket have raised alarm over the devastating impact of artisanal mining on the environment, with authorities accused of turning a blind eye to the destruction.
Artisanal mining has become a significant threat to Zimbabwe’s environment, with many miners operating outside ecological rules, leaving hazardous pits and toxic waste in their wake. In Banket, the situation is dire, with miners operating near a church, school, and residential area.
A recent tragedy highlighted the dangers of this unchecked mining. One person lost their life after being trapped underground near St Andrew’s Anglican Church, where artisanal miners have been operating for years.
Worshippers at the church fear for their safety, with underground tunnels threatening the structural integrity of the building. “We’re afraid our church may collapse due to the proximity of the miners’ activities,” said Samuel Mawayo. “We’ve complained to authorities, but our concerns have fallen on deaf ears.”
Nelson Nzombe, Headmaster at Banket Primary School, echoed these concerns.
“We’re worried about the safety of our children, who may stray into the area and fall into open pits. The miners are operating too close to the road and our schoolyard.”
Young miners, such as Jairos Jiri, claim they have no choice due to economic hardships. “We’re not loafers; we’re trying to survive. We know it’s risky, but we have nowhere else to turn.”
However, miners show little concern for the environmental damage they cause.
“We compete with time; once a pit yields nothing, we move on. We don’t have the time to reclaim pits; we know we may be chased away anytime.”
Allegations of police complicity have emerged, with some miners claiming officers are involved in their operations. Josie Adwell said, “Some police officers sponsor us; they inform us when raids are planned.”
Banket Police Station’s Member in Charge confirmed raids have been conducted, but no arrests made. “We’re aware of the land degradation and dangers posed to adjacent buildings. Unfortunately, these miners work discreetly.”
The local authority has tried to reclaim the area, but artisanal mining remains a grey area in environmental discourse. Despite contributing to gold production, the land remains degraded.
Zimbabwe’s Mines and Minerals Act requires miners to cover pits; failure to do so can result in fines and imprisonment. However, enforcement remains lax.
The situation in Banket highlights the urgent need for authorities to address artisanal mining’s environmental impact and ensure the safety of local communities.