Illegal Gold Mining in Zimbabwe's Chimanimani Threatens Ndau Livelihoods
Chinese nationals, supported by the Zimbabwe National Army, are illegally mining gold in Chimanimani, threatening local Ndau livelihoods. Approximately 3,500 families face potential displacement as mining disrupts agriculture and local water sources, raising risks of food insecurity and regional conflict.
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Chinese nationals have commenced large-scale illegal gold mining in Chimanimani, supported by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and local chief Peter Ngorima. The operations have fenced off over 500 hectares of land vital for the Ndau tribe's agriculture, primarily banana farming, impacting nearly 3,500 families.
An investigation revealed violations of a government ban on alluvial mining, increasing food insecurity among villagers. Roads crucial for transporting produce have been destroyed, exacerbating community struggles.
The local government and traditional leaders are reportedly unable to intervene, raising concerns about potential cross-border conflict with Mozambique, as contaminated water from mining threatens downstream communities. The situation highlights systemic governance issues and the risks posed by unregulated mining activities.
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