EMA Deploys Drones To Tackle Rampant Illegal Mining

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is turning to drones to crack down on rampant illegal mining.

In an interview with Southern Eye, EMA Matabeleland South provincial director Decent Ndlovu said his office has been inundated with cases of illegal gold mining, which are wreaking havoc on the land. Ndlovu said:

“The recent illegal mining activities are happening at Longville Farm near Matshetshe turn, popularly known as Mgqomo in Gwanda.

“The illegal miners are using devices such as detectors, which are not regularised. They do a lot of damage using that equipment.

“We have applied for a drone which we are expecting soon so that we will be able to assess and give an analysis of the mining activities in the province.”

Ndlovu highlighted specific trouble spots in the province, including Nugget Mine in Matobo and the Vova area in Gwanda. He added:

“The other areas that are experiencing challenges are Mzingwane and Insiza rivers, we do not have arresting powers but we report such activities to the police so as to get assistance in pushing the illegal miners out of the places.”

Ndlovu stressed that no mining activity should commence without first obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate.

Related:

NGOs Warn Of “Dangerous And Unsustainable” Mining On Christmas Pass Mountain Range Zimbabwe Bans Foreigners From Small-scale Gold Mining