The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has shutdown two lithium mines in Goromonzi district in Mashonaland East province for allegedly operating without environmental impact assessment (EIA) certificates.
The companies are TN Gold and Shengxiang Mining Investments, according to NewsDay.
TN Gold was fined ZW$500 000, while Shengxiang Mining was ordered to pay ZW$100 000 for lack of EIAs.
EMA provincial spokesperson, Astas Mabwe, yesterday confirmed that the two lithium mines had been shutdown. Mabwe said:
After a public outcry on lithium and illegal mining activities in Goromonzi district, Ema carried out inspections in hotspot areas reported. Through the inspections, it was found out that a lot of individuals and companies had started lithium mining without the requisite licences. Two companies were issued with tickets and orders to stop illegal lithium mining and processing.
The companies have since stopped operations and are in the process of applying for EIA certification from the agency. Other illegal lithium mining activities were being done by artisanal miners who run away when they see law enforcement officers. As Ema, we continue to monitor the situation and encourage prospective miners to have the necessary papers before engaging in mining activities.
Since December of 2022, Goromonzi district has experienced a rise in the number of artisanal miners looking for lithium ore.
This has resulted in environmental degradation as massive deforestation has given rise to deep gullies in areas the mineral is being extracted.
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Shutting down an operation that generates employment and foreign currency is not a good idea unless there is danger to life. EMA should sit down with the companies and agree on a time frame to rectify the issues. There is need for positive progressive thinking.
I very much agree with Jabhunduri
Papers first, mining after..that’s orderly. Why do the vice versa? That’s lawlessness. We cannot say illegal operations must put the cart before the horse simply because there is employment creation