By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has voiced strong opposition to a proposed coal mining project by the Chinese company Sunny Ye Feng in the Sinamatella region of Hwange National Park.
This project is associated with an application for Exclusive Prospecting Order No. 04 of 2021 in the Matabeleland North mining district.
ZimParks highlighted that Sunny Ye Feng has a history of environmental violations, including a recent closure order from the Environmental Management Agency due to pollution issues.
The area in question is crucial for the conservation of black rhinos and supports a growing population of this endangered species.
In a statement on Thursday, ZimParks raised concerns about the detrimental effects of mining on biodiversity and wildlife habitats, warning that such activities could lead to species extinction.
ZimParks urged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to reject the application for mining in Hwange National Park, particularly in the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone.
The authority argued that allowing mining operations would significantly increase the risk of species extinction and hinder population recovery efforts.
“The proposed mining project poses a significant threat, worsening the degradation of land, a critical concern for ZimParks,” they stated, noting their commitment to restoring at least 30% of degraded terrestrial ecosystems by 2030.
They emphasized that while progress has been made in reviving wildlife populations, mining activities in this vital area would jeopardize essential ecological conditions for wildlife survival and reproduction.
Additionally, ZimParks cited concerns over air, noise, and land pollution, which could negatively impact both visitors and wildlife, and lead to increased human-wildlife conflict.
They expressed that permitting such projects in national parks would harm Zimbabwe’s reputation in sustainable conservation.
“Approving mining in this zone would not only contradict ZimParks’ conservation mandate but also tarnish Zimbabwe’s reputation regionally and internationally as a world leader in sustainable conservation,” ZimParks stated.
They also pointed out that mining could disrupt groundwater flow, threatening crucial water sources for wildlife.
The Sinamatella area is also home to the Bumbusi ruins, which have historical and cultural significance for the Nambian-speaking communities, who have conducted rituals and ceremonies there since the 18th century.
Local residents and environmental rights organizations have echoed ZimParks’ concerns, emphasizing the importance of preserving Hwange National Park’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.