By TellZim Reporter
The Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG) has penned a letter to Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding, calling on him to step in to protect Zimbabwe’s environmental heritage and ecological systems amid the intensifying scramble for critical minerals in the country.
In the open letter, CNRG implored the ambassador to leverage his position to ensure that Chinese nationals and companies operating in Zimbabwe adhere to local environmental, mining and planning regulations.
“CNRG believes that Zimbabwe – China relations can and should be strengthened through responsible investment, mutual respect, environmental stewardship and respect for the rights and dignity of Zimbabwean communities.
“We therefore urge Your Excellency to regard these concerns not as an attack on China or Chinese nationals, but as an appeal to ensure that the conduct of individual investors does not undermine the broader friendship between our two countries or expose Chinese investment to avoidable reputational harm. The people of Zimbabwe welcome responsible investment. What they cannot be expected to welcome is investment that destroys their environment, disregards their concerns and places their communities at risk. We respectfully request your urgent intervention,” reads a part of the letter.
CNRG said it had received numerous complaints from communities over mining operations allegedly linked to Chinese nationals and their Zimbabwean partners, citing environmental degradation in Mutare, Shurugwi, Mberengwa, Penhalonga, Mutoko, Mazowe, Odzi and the Haroni-Rusitu area.
“Of particular concern is the apparent destruction of ecologically and culturally significant landscapes. In Shurugwi, for example, mining activities have caused serious disturbance to parts of the Boterekwa mountain range in the Midlands Province, while the Mavuradonha Wilderness in northern Zimbabwe, declared a National Monument by the Government in 2017, has also come under pressure from mining activities.
“These are not simply mining sites; they are part of Zimbabwe’s environmental heritage and ecological systems, whose destruction carries consequences extending well beyond the immediate mining areas.”The latest area of serious concern is Christmas Pass Mountain in Mutare, where mining activities have continued despite strong resistance from local communities and other stakeholders, including legal action and petitions to the President of Zimbabwe,” reads the letter.
CNRG said the situation was especially concerning in Mutare because Hillcrest College is located less than 400 metres from the mining area at Christmas Pass, raising fears over erosion, loose soil, possible mudslides, water contamination and slope instability.
“The continued excavation of this iconic landscape is particularly troubling given its proximity to Hillcrest College, which is situated less than 400 metres from the mining area. Public reports have also raised concerns about loose soil, erosion, possible mudslides, water contamination and the destabilization of slopes in the Christmas Pass area. The potential environmental, health and safety implications for learners, teachers and surrounding communities warrant urgent attention,” reads part of the letter.
