The Government has suspended operations at a Bindura mine following alleged breaches of mining and environmental regulations.

Authorities ordered Oxidise Mine and its joint venture partner, Botha Mine, to stop mining on Monday.

Officials cited environmental damage, infrastructure concerns and possible health risks affecting nearby residents.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura visited the site after receiving complaints from surrounding communities.

A thick cloud of dust reportedly covered the operation during the minister’s inspection.

The mine also sits close to a residential area, raising further concerns about its environmental impact.

Authorities demand compliance and rehabilitation

Kambamura said the operation lacked essential approvals and had no rehabilitation programme.

He warned that miners must meet regulatory requirements before starting operations.

“I am here today after receiving complaints from the communities of substandard mining practices happening here and environmentally unsafe mining practices. We expect our miners to have all the paperwork, all approvals before commencing any mining operations. As you can see, there was no approval to this mining operation. They are actually cutting down mountains. By the end of the day there is no rehabilitation plan to these mountains that have been degraded, so we have shut down this operation from now and we have summoned the operators to report to our offices for further investigations,” Minister Kambamura said.

The minister consequently ordered the operators to appear before his ministry for further investigations.

Meanwhile, residents claimed the mine expanded rapidly after starting operations earlier this year.

They also raised concerns about blasting, dust and damage to surrounding infrastructure.

Residents raise health and infrastructure concerns

One resident claimed blasting caused tremors that affected nearby homes and infrastructure.

“When they started, explosions used to cause tremors to our houses. Our neighbour’s borehole collapsed due to the tremors and there is too much dust. Breathing is difficult and our windows are always closed. We asked the mine to suppress dust, but they just implement piecemeal measures,” the resident said.

Another resident questioned how the mine secured permission to begin operations.

“There is a lot of unprocedural activity in the allowing of this mine to operate,” the resident said.

The shutdown comes as Zimbabwe pushes to increase mining production and strengthen economic growth.

However, authorities insist increased output must go hand in hand with responsible mining practices.

The Government also expects mining companies to protect communities, infrastructure and the surrounding environment.

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