The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has released a press statement strongly opposing a proposed mining project in Hwange National Park, particularly in the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone. The authority has called on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to cancel the application for exclusive prospecting rights in the area and to reject similar proposals in the future.
The Sinamatella area is a critical habitat for black rhinos, a species listed under Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). ZimParks warns that allowing mining in this zone would increase the risk of species extinction and hinder ongoing conservation efforts.
“This area is one of the last strongholds for black rhinos in Zimbabwe, and any mining activities would be a death sentence for this endangered species,” said Tinashe Farawo, ZimParks spokesperson. “We cannot afford to compromise conservation for short-term economic gains.”
According to the statement released by ZimParks, mining in the area would significantly degrade the land and threaten the progress made in reviving wildlife populations. The agency aims to restore at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and ecosystem areas by 2030. However, it argues that mining activities would undermine these efforts by disrupting ecological conditions vital for wildlife survival and reproduction.
Beyond conservation concerns, ZimParks highlights that tourism is a major revenue generator for Zimbabwe, particularly through leased concessions. Any mining operations in the area could negatively affect visitor experiences, reducing the country’s appeal as a premier wildlife tourism destination.
“Tourists travel from all over the world to experience Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity. If we allow mining in this crucial zone, we risk losing the very resources that make our tourism industry thrive,” added Farawo.
Furthermore, mining is associated with increased air, noise, and land pollution, which could lead to more cases of poaching and disturbances to wildlife movement.
Sinamatella is also home to the historic Bumbusi ruins, which hold cultural significance for the Nambian-speaking communities, dating back to the 18th century. Traditional leaders from the region visit the area annually for cultural rituals and rainmaking ceremonies, further underscoring the site’s historical importance.
Hwange National Park is renowned for hosting Africa’s second-largest elephant population. ZimParks warns that mining could disrupt groundwater flow, exacerbating existing water shortages and leading to increased mortality rates among wildlife, as well as heightened human-wildlife conflict in nearby communities.