The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has firmly objected to a proposed mining operation within Hwange National Park, calling on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to dismiss the application for exclusive prospecting rights in the area.
The site under consideration, the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone, is a crucial habitat for endangered black rhinos.
“This location is essential for black rhino conservation, as it currently supports a growing population of this critically endangered species, which falls under Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES),” ZimParks stated in a press release on Thursday.
The organisation warned that allowing mining in this area would heighten the risk of extinction and significantly hinder efforts to rebuild rhino populations.
Furthermore, ZimParks emphasised that such an activity contradicts Zimbabwe’s global standing in sustainable wildlife conservation.
“Permitting mining in this zone would not only undermine our conservation efforts but also damage Zimbabwe’s international reputation as a leader in responsible wildlife management,” the statement continued.
The authority also pointed out that tourism, a key economic sector, could suffer significant setbacks.
Much of ZimParks’ funding comes from tourism-based revenue, particularly through leased concessions.
Introducing mining operations in the park could negatively affect visitor experiences, reducing income and hindering conservation efforts.
In addition to economic concerns, ZimParks raised environmental alarms, citing potential pollution and habitat destruction. Mining activities often cause air, noise, and land pollution, which could disrupt wildlife movement and increase poaching risks.
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Sinamatella is also home to the Bumbusi ruins, an important cultural and historical site for Namibian-speaking communities, where traditional rituals are conducted annually. ZimParks stressed the importance of safeguarding this heritage.
The park is also home to Africa’s second-largest elephant population, and ZimParks expressed fears that mining could interfere with groundwater flow, worsening existing water shortages and escalating human-wildlife conflicts.
“Mining could disrupt underground water systems, threatening essential water sources for wildlife,” the statement read.
“This interference may exacerbate water shortages, leading to higher mortality rates among animals and increased human-wildlife encounters in nearby communities.”
ZimParks remains resolute in its stance against the mining proposal, urging authorities to prioritise conservation over commercial exploitation.
