By Wallace Mawire
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has issued Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs) against six mining companies across Zimbabwe, directing them to suspend the movement of ore-carrying trucks along designated routes until they comply with prescribed environmental protection measures.
The enforcement action forms part of a nationwide monitoring blitz targeting development projects, particularly mining operations generating significant amounts of fugitive dust that could compromise environmental quality and public health.
EMA said the programme, which is ongoing, places particular emphasis on monitoring dust emissions and ensuring that mining and other development activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Agency said that, cumulatively, since 23 October 2026, it had issued EPOs to six mining companies in Manicaland, Matabeleland South and Mashonaland West provinces.
The affected companies include Sabi Star Mine in Buhera, Manicaland Province, and Gwanda Lithium Mine in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province.
Four other companies operating in Mhondoro-Ngezi, Mashonaland West Province, have also been issued with the orders. These are Moral Capital, Shona Minerals, Zimfare Mining and African Chrome Fields Mines.
In a related enforcement action, EMA has issued a Level 14 ticket to Gwanda Lithium Mine for failing to comply with the requirements of an EPO issued on 23 October 2026.
The Agency reiterated that all Environmental Protection Orders must be fully complied with within the stipulated timeframes, warning that failure to do so could attract further enforcement action under the country’s environmental legislation.
“Where an order requires the suspension of truck movements along specified routes, operations must remain suspended until the relevant conditions have been met and any required authorisation to resume has been obtained,” EMA said.
The measures are intended to prevent environmental degradation, minimise dust pollution, protect communities living near mining operations and safeguard the long-term sustainability of investments.
EMA has urged mining companies and other development project operators to prioritise environmental protection by implementing effective dust suppression measures and adhering to prescribed environmental mitigation requirements.
The Agency also emphasised the need to protect communities, particularly where mining activities are conducted close to residential settlements, public roads and other areas where people may be exposed to airborne particles.
EMA said it remained committed to promoting sustainable economic development while safeguarding environmental integrity and protecting public health.
The Agency stressed that environmental protection was a shared responsibility and an essential foundation for sustainable economic development.