By Nigel Tawanda Pfunde
Victoria Falls – The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has called on law enforcement and environmental agencies to take decisive action against Chinese nationals funding illegal chrome mining activities through local proxies.
ZMF president Henrietta Rushwaya made the remarks during a plenary session at the recent Chamber of Mines Conference held in Victoria Falls.
She accused Chinese interests of exploiting Zimbabwe’s mineral resources by equipping locals with heavy-duty mining machinery to carry out unauthorised mining operations.
“A tightly-organised syndicate involving locals and Chinese nationals are illegally mining chrome,” Rushwaya revealed.
“We cannot continue to tolerate these night -time operations while legitimate miners are fighting over scraps.
“Mines that should support families over a decade are being looted in two to three years. If no one is willing to speak, we as ZMF we will,” added Rushwaya.
She urged the ministry of mines, police, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to intervene, investigate, and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“The Mines and Mining Development Ministry, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Environment and Management Agency and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority are key in addressing these illegal mining activities,” said Rushwaya.
Rushwaya emphasised the urgent need for greater transparency and a focus on value addition in the chrome sector, warning that unchecked exploitation would have long-term consequences for Zimbabwe’s economic sustainability.
Her remarks received widespread support from delegates at the conference, many of whom endorsed the need for a comprehensive investigation into these activities.
This is not the first time ZMF has raised the alarm over violations of Zimbabwe’s mining laws and alleged labour abuses by Chinese investors.
ZMF continues to lobby for tighter regulation, enhanced local beneficiation, and respect for national sovereignty in the mining sector.
