Water sources polluted in Hwange

THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has pounced on two Chinese coal mining companies
after villagers in Makwika Hwange area complained that the firms were discharging pollutants into
their water sources.
Greater Hwange Residents Trust chairperson Fidelis Chima said: “We received information that
certain coal mining companies are discharging coal emissions into the water point at Makwika
village, resulting in fish dying, and sadly people are selling the fish to residents of Makwika.
“We have, however, engaged EMA and they promised to make investigations. We have confidence
that EMA will act on the matter and bring perpetrators to justice. This is happening at RAM 12 water
point, at a small dam near Makwika village,” he said.
EMA Provincial manager Chipo Mpofu-Zuze confirmed receiving the report.
“Yes we received a report of this nature from an anonymous caller on 2 March 2023. We conducted
investigations at Open Cast Water Point Number 3 Hwange Colliery Company Mine Concession. Two
companies Dingson Colliery and Zhong Jian Investments which are HCCL contractors were found (de-
watering) pumping water out of their mining pits into the environment with the discharge getting
into Number 3 main canal,” Mpofu-Zuze said.
“Environmental Protection Orders in terms of section 37 of the Environmental Management Act
(Cap 20:27) were issued ordering  them to avoid  pumping into the environment until  they have
adequate and sustainable measures to handle their mine water, and prove that the water quality
meets acceptable levels for disposal into the environment in line with environmental protection
regulations.”
Mpofu-Zuze said both entities were issued with level 14 penalties for contravening the provisions of
Section 57 of the Environmental Management Act Chapter 20:27 on disposal of effluent in such a
manner as to cause environmental pollution. 
“The agency went on to collect water samples from the discharge points for analysis and is waiting
for the results. There are two HCCL contractors namely Dingson Colliery and Zhong Jian Investments.
The period for the payment of the tickets issued to the two companies has not yet lapsed and will
lapse on 9 March 2023. Failure to pay on time will result in a docket being opened with the police,”
Mpofu-Zuze added that coal mine water is detrimental to aquatic life, particularly fish if it is not
treated.