The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has formally submitted a petition to the Parliament of Zimbabwe, calling for urgent intervention over escalating environmental damage, public health risks, and alleged human rights violations linked to mining activities in Boterekwa, Shurugwi.
The petition, dated March 30 citing Sections 59 and 149 of the constitution, reflects the concerns of communities affected by what they describe as unchecked extractive practices.
CNRG alleged that despite the presence of regulatory authorities such as the Ministry of Mines and the Environmental Management Agency, mining operations in Boterekwa have failed to comply with legal and environmental standards.
Affected communities have raised concerns including severe environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and hazardous dust pollution reportedly causing respiratory illnesses.
They also cited the unsafe use of toxic chemicals such as cyanide, contamination of water sources including the Mutevekwi River with heavy metals, and structural damage to homes caused by mining blasts.
“These violations are not just environmental – they are a direct assault on community dignity, health, and livelihoods,” CNRG said in a statement.
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“The constitution is clear: natural resources must benefit the people, not harm them.”
The petition calls on Parliament to exercise its constitutional oversight role over bodies tasked with regulating mining and environmental protection.
CNRG urged lawmakers to investigate the reported violations and ensure accountability among mining operators.
Among its key demands, the organisation is calling for a comprehensive investigation, enforcement of environmental and cultural protection laws, and compensation for affected households.
It also urged authorities to strengthen the regulation of artisanal mining and implement urgent measures to safeguard public health.
CNRG said the petition forms part of a broader push for transparency and justice in Zimbabwe’s extractive sector, warning that rural communities face rights violations including land and water grabbing, pollution, and violence linked to mining.
The organisation called on Parliament to act decisively in the public interest and ensure natural resources are managed sustainably.
Parliament is yet to respond to the petition.