The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has strongly opposed a proposed mining project in Hwange National Park, warning it could have devastating consequences for wildlife, tourism, and cultural heritage.
A Chinese company, Sunny Yi Feng (Private) Limited had applied to the Mining Affairs Board for an exclusive prospecting order in an area within the park.
โThe applicant intends to prospect for coal within the area which has been reserved against prospecting pending determination of this application. Prospecting authority is sought upon registered base mineral blocks within the reservation,โ read a notice issued by the Mining Affairs Board.
In a statement released on Wednesday, ZimParks urged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to cancel the application for exclusive mining prospecting in the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone.
โThis area is a critical habitat for black rhinos, which are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix 1,โ said ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo. โApproving this mining project would increase the risk of species extinction and harm efforts to grow their population.โ
ZimParks warned that the proposed mining activities would worsen land degradation, undermining the governmentโs commitment to restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
โWe have made significant progress in reviving wildlife populations across the country, but mining in this area would compromise vital ecological conditions needed for wildlife survival and reproduction,โ the statement read.
Tourism, a key revenue source for Zimbabwe, is also at risk. ZimParks relies on income generated from leased concessions to fund conservation. The introduction of mining, it said, could negatively impact visitor experiences.
Sinamatella is home to the historic Bumbusi ruins, a site of cultural importance to Nambian-speaking communities. Traditional leaders visit the site annually to conduct rituals and rain-making ceremonies.
โMining operations would not only endanger wildlife but also disrupt a significant cultural heritage site,โ ZimParks stated.
The authority also warned of potential environmental damage, including groundwater disruption that could exacerbate existing water shortages and increase human-wildlife conflict.
ZimParks has vowed to continue advocating for the protection of critical wildlife habitats.
โWe urge the government to uphold Zimbabweโs reputation as a leader in conservation and reject this mining application,โ Farawo said.
