Mining and Environmental Rights in Zimbabwe. A Case of Zvishavane District

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of artisanal small-scale mining on the environmental rights of communities in Zvishavane, Zimbabwe. All over the world, mining has been significant in enhancing the livelihoods of the people by reducing poverty and ensuring food security. Despite its major contribution to economic growth and development, mining is responsible for environmental degradation. The environmental rights of many indigenous communities in Zimbabwe are violated by small-scale mining operations. Zvishavane is one of the marginalized communities in Zimbabwe where all types of mining activities are taking place as the district is located along the Great Dyke mineral belt. The dominant mining entities in the district are artisanal small-scale miners exploiting gold and chrome. Given the low capitalization that characterizes artisanal small-scale miners, the degree to which these entities comply with the country's legislation on environmental protection becomes very doubtful. The study was conducted through interviews and focus group discussions with key informants in the Mapanzure community in Zvishavane. The findings of this study highlight that artisanal small-scale chrome and gold miners are largely responsible for the contamination of water sources, land degradation, excessive air pollution and deforestation, which exposes mining communities in Zvishavane to health hazards such as cholera, bilharzia, asthma and cirrhosis. Findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners on sustainable mining in marginalized communities.

Keywords: Mining, Environmental rights, Artisanal small-scale miners and Zvishavane District

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-8-06

Publication date:August 31^st 2020