The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has linked recent fish and livestock deaths to cyanide and sodium hydroxide poisoning from a spillage at Cambria 4 Mine in Masvingo. Water samples showed elevated pH and cyanide traces, prompting immediate action.
“The Agency collected water samples from the river for analysis at the Environmental Management laboratory, which revealed an elevated pH level, likely due to sodium hydroxide contamination. Traces of cyanide were also identified,” Amkela Sidange, EMA’s Environmental Education and Publicity Manager confirms.
Sidange stated that heavy rains caused the tailings dam at Cambria 4 Mine to overflow, releasing cyanide and sodium hydroxide into a stream feeding the Shashe River, leading to pollution. The emergency trench failed to contain the overflow. The mine must now apply ferrous sulfate, rebuild dam walls, and enhance the trench.
“The inspection also revealed that the emergency trench surrounding the tailings dam failed to contain the overflow due to the heavy rainfall.”
EMA confirms that the river is now safe, but the mine remains closed for violating safety protocols.
“The Agency continuously collected daily water samples along the river for monitoring purposes, and recent samples indicate that the water is now environmentally safe.”
