Conservationists and concerned citizens are rallying against a proposed coal mining project in Sinamatella, a section of Hwange National Park, raising alarms over its potential environmental and wildlife impact.
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), Citizens and Wildlife Networks, and other advocacy organizations have raised alarms over the potential consequences of granting the license. They warn that mining operations in the area would disrupt the tourism sector, diminish public confidence, and threaten the long-term sustainability of protected regions.
Environmentalists have also pointed to Sunny Ye Feng’s history of environmental violations, highlighting a recent shutdown order by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) for pollution. The applicant has reportedly faced multiple project closures due to similar infractions, with the most recent being on 15 August 2020 after failing to comply with an earlier directive issued on 5 August 2020.
“Given this history, it is troubling to consider the initiation of any new environmentally sensitive projects by this applicant,” read part of the statement from conservation groups.
Environmental and Economic Risks
Critics argue that granting the mining license would have severe environmental and socio-economic consequences for Hwange National Park’s Sinamatela area and surrounding safari zones. The proposed mining activities, they say, would undermine the park’s integrity, endanger wildlife, and threaten Zimbabwe’s reputation as a prime tourist destination.
Key environmental risks outlined by the opposition include potential chemical pollution of aquatic ecosystems, disruption of wildlife movement and reproduction patterns, deforestation, and increased poaching.
“The proposed activity will harm Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage, including archaeological sites such as the Bumbusi National Ruins, which risk being vandalized,” read a joint statement from conservation organizations.
Growing Public Opposition
Beyond advocacy groups, the proposed mine has sparked a public outcry. Conservationists, tourism operators, and local communities have launched an objection campaign urging Zimbabweans to formally oppose the mine. Citizens are encouraged to submit objection letters to the Mining Affairs Board before February 27, 2025, emphasizing concerns over wildlife protection, tourism, and sustainable development.
Citizens and Wildlife Networks, which is at the forefront of mobilization efforts, has called for a collective push to stop mining in protected areas. “We cannot allow coal mining in a national park. Hwange is one of Zimbabwe’s greatest natural assets, and mining would have devastating consequences for wildlife, tourism, and the environment,” read part of the campaign message.
Calls for Government Action
Environmental groups referenced the government’s 2020 ban on mining in wildlife parks and game reserves, emphasizing that concerns raised then remain unaddressed. They urged authorities to move beyond statements and take decisive action by reforming the Mines and Minerals Act and the Parks and Wildlife Act to permanently prohibit mining exploration in ecologically sensitive areas.
CNRG has recommended key actions that include –
Prioritizing environmental protection by limiting destructive mining activities.
Reforming mining laws to explicitly prohibit exploration in protected zones.
Protecting tourism and conservation efforts to sustain local economies.
Denying the special mining license application.
Conservationists and advocacy groups have called on the Mining Affairs Board to reject the application, citing the potentially catastrophic environmental and socio-economic consequences of allowing mining in the area.
Uncertain Future for Hwange
The Hwange National Park and surrounding reserves remain critical to Zimbabwe’s tourism and conservation efforts, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Conservationists and tourism operators have long warned that increased mining activity in protected areas could erode the country’s environmental credibility and threaten livelihoods dependent on wildlife and eco-tourism.
With the debate over mining in protected areas intensifying, all eyes are now on the Mining Affairs Board’s decision on Sunny Ye Feng’s application. Environmental activists argue that granting the license would set a dangerous precedent, potentially opening the door for more mining encroachments in Zimbabwe’s fragile ecosystems.