By Staff Reporter
RENCO – Mining operations at Renco Mine were suspended on Wednesday following a formal
complaint by Chief Nyajena, born Last Dzivakwe, over the mine’s open-cast mining activities at
Chebundi Mountain, which the community says have caused houses to crack, disrupted traffic,
and exposed villagers to choking dust and smoke.
The suspension, which the local community has welcomed, followed a letter written by Chief
Nyajena on October 13, 2026, addressed to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of
Environment, Climate and Wildlife, demanding urgent intervention. Sources say the
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has since visited the area, resulting in the
suspension of operations.
In the letter seen by TellZim News, Chief Nyajena said the mine had been conducting mining
activities without adequate communication or consultation with the local community and
traditional leadership, a situation he described as a serious concern where mining activities
directly affect people’s homes, livelihoods, access routes, land, and general safety.
“Mining operations conducted without proper communication and coordination with the affected
community can place people’s lives at risk. The safety of residents must not be compromised in
the pursuit of economic activities. While we recognise the importance of mining to national
development, such operations must be conducted responsibly, transparently and in accordance
with the laws and environmental requirements of Zimbabwe,” reads part of the letter.
Chief Nyajena requested the Ministry to dispatch environmental and mining inspectors to assess
the mine’s operations, direct the mine to cease operations temporarily pending a full
investigation, conduct an environmental and safety assessment of risks posed to nearby residents,
homes, land, water sources, livestock and other community assets, require the mining company
to engage meaningfully with affected residents before resuming any activities, establish whether
the mine has the necessary licences and environmental approvals, and provide his office with
feedback on the findings.
“I wish to emphasise that this complaint is not intended to obstruct lawful economic
development. Rather, it is a call for responsible mining practices that respect human life, protect
the environment and recognise the important role of traditional leadership in community welfare.
The people of Nyajena deserve to live in a safe environment and to be treated as important
stakeholders in activities taking place within their community,” reads part of the letter.
The letter was copied to Hon Deputy Minister John Paradza.
Contacted for comment, Chief Nyajena confirmed having written a letter and the suspension of
the operations to TellZim News and said the mine should relocate those who were immediately
affected by the operations.
He said houses in Muvango and Chiponda villages were cracking due to the mine’s operations.
“I have received reports that houses are cracking in Muvango and Chiponda villages. We cannot
sit and watch while our people’s lives are in danger. The mine must relocate those whose homes
are at risk before they collapse and kill people,” said Chief Nyajena.
The complaints come amid heightened tension over the mine’s shift from underground to surface
mining at Chebundi Mountain. For 50 years, the mine operated underground, coexisting with
locals who lived and farmed on the surface. But the recent gold rush forced the company to
invest in surface mining – a cheaper option that has brought a host of challenges for surrounding
villages.
The mountain, which cleaves Chiponda and Muvango villages, serves as grazing land, a source
of firewood, a hunting ground for small animals, and a place to harvest mopane worms and
mushrooms. It also holds deep religious and spiritual significance, as the forefathers of the
community are buried there.
Villagers have also complained about blasting operations that send clouds of dust into the air,
covering households and forcing residents to evacuate their homes. During blasting, the mine
closes the road, stopping vehicles from both sides- those entering Renco and those exiting-
disrupting traffic flow and affecting those who need emergency services.
The road links the mine to Muchibwa Business Centre, the hospital, the school, and the mini
airstrip, and it passes through to Morgenster Mission, Nemamwa, and Masvingo Town, meaning
even emergency vehicles are held up with no alternative route.
Headman Muchibwa, Maseko Manyise, previously told TellZim News that villagers were being
evacuated from their homes during blasting.
“Villagers are being evacuated from their homes during blasting, and I don’t think it’s good if the
situation continues like that. There must be a solution that benefits all stakeholders, the mine and
the locals,” he said.
Locals also claimed the mine was using drones to monitor areas, particularly in Muvango down
to Mutirikwi River, with the drones allegedly flying over bathing spots in streams and rivers,
exposing naked women.
One resident, who spoke to TellZim News, welcomed the suspension of operations but said there
was a need for engagement with the locals to map the way forward.
“We are happy that operations have been stopped, but we need the mine and the authorities to sit
down with us and tell us where we go from here. We cannot just celebrate the suspension
without knowing what will happen next. We need a lasting solution that protects our homes, our
land, and our lives,” said the resident.
