The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has ordered Cambria 4 Mine in Masvingo to halt operations after a tailings dam spill contaminated the Shashe River.
The Shashe River is facing a serious problem after a toxic spill from a nearby mine contaminated the water, resulting in the death of fish and livestock.
The mine has been issued a ticket, ordered to cease operations and implement pollution control measures until all recommendations from the EMA are met. Water samples are being analyzed to monitor the situation.
“The mine was issued a ticket and an environmental protection order to cease operations until all recommendations made by the Agency to rectify the accidental discharge and suspected pollution are met. The mine was also ordered to implement pollution abatement measures,” said Amkela Sidange, EMA’s Environmental Education and Publicity Manager.
“The inspection also revealed that the emergency trench surrounding the tailings dam failed to contain the overflow due to the heavy rainfall. The Agency has collected water samples from the river for analysis at the Environmental Management laboratory and is currently conducting daily water quality monitoring,” Sidange added.
