EMA orders two mines to halt truck movements over dust pollution

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has ordered two mines in Zimbabwe to suspend truck movements along designated routes over excessive dust pollution until they submit approved dust management plans.

The affected operations are Lisa Bista Mine in Buhera, Manicaland, and Gwanda Lithium Mine in Gwanda, Matabeleland South.

EMA environmental education and publicity manager and spokesperson Amkela Sidange said the agency was concerned about increasing levels of dust generated by mining activities, particularly the movement of heavy trucks along roads within mining sites and during production.

“The Environmental Management Agency is greatly concerned about the increasing levels of fugitive dust being released into the atmosphere as a result of mining activities, particularly due to the movement of heavy trucks along roads within mining sites and the production sites,” she said.

Sidange said the agency had issued warnings and directives to mining companies, but some had failed to address the problem, prompting a nationwide enforcement programme.

“Despite issuing warnings and directives, some companies have failed to address the problem and, as a result, EMA has embarked on a countrywide enforcement programme,” she said.

As of 23 October 2026, EMA had issued environmental protection orders to the two mines, requiring them to stop transporting along designated routes until they submitted dust management plans for approval.

The affected transport activities can resume only after EMA approves the plans and is satisfied that they have been implemented.

Sidange said the measures were intended to address dust pollution from mining operations, which can affect nearby communities and pose risks to public health and the environment.

She urged people living near the mines to report any truck movements that violate the orders.

“EMA is also appealing to members of the public, particularly those living in the surrounding communities to these two mines, to report promptly to the agency when they observe any truck movement which will be in violation of the standing orders issued by the agency,” she said.

Sidange said mining companies had a responsibility to ensure their operations did not compromise the environment or public health.

“Development must not come at the expense of environmental integrity or public health,” she said.