We, the concerned civil society organisations and environmental advocates, come together to express our deep alarm over the ongoing mining activities at Christmas Pass, which pose severe threats to the environment, public health, and the cultural heritage of Mutare.
Guided by our shared commitment to safeguarding community rights, protecting ecosystems, and upholding the rule of law, we convened with stakeholders to assess the situation and reaffirm the community’s clear position.
A consultative meeting held at Holiday Inn Mutare brought together concerned citizens, community groups, civil society organisations, resident associations, and traditional leadership to deliberate on the escalating mining activities at Christmas Pass.
After extensive discussions, the stakeholders issued a clear and unanimous position: NO to mining at Christmas Pass.
What emerged from these discussions is an urgent and united call to halt mining operations at Christmas Pass and to ensure that all development activities respect constitutional rights, environmental standards, and the will of the people.
Participants expressed deep concern about the environmental, social, and health impacts already affecting communities, particularly in Toronto’s residential areas, due to ongoing mining activities.
The meeting reaffirmed that mining in Region One is subject to very strict conditions under the Mines and Minerals Act (Chapter 21:05), and current activities fall short of those legal expectations.
We are therefore raising serious concerns regarding the growing threats posed by mining activities at Christmas Pass.
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Participants highlighted the worsening water pollution and associated health risks, noting that these impacts directly contravene Section 77 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to health.
They also underscored the extensive environmental degradation taking place, a clear violation of Section 73, which protects the right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment.
Beyond environmental harm, our position is that there is undue deep social distress within affected communities, accompanied by broader human rights implications that demand urgent attention and redress.
We are also concerned about weaknesses in local governance structures and insufficient stakeholder engagement, both of which fall short of the standards set out in the Environmental Management Act and undermine effective, accountable management of natural resources.
“Communities have the right to say no to mining activities that threaten their environment, health, and livelihoods,” said Farai Maguwu, executive director of the Centre for Natural Resources and Governance (CNRG).
Key Recommendations
- Immediate cessation of mining and cyanidation in Toronto to prevent continued pollution and spillage, in line with Section 97 of the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27), which prohibits activities harmful to the environment.
- Urgent water quality testing in the Mutare River and its tributaries, as guaranteed by Section 73 of the Constitution, which upholds the right to a clean and healthy environment.
- Address contamination of key water sources, including Hillcrest boreholes, which have tested positive for traces of human waste and metals, and ensure provision of safe alternative drinking water for affected communities.
- Convene an inclusive follow-up meeting involving all absent but critical stakeholders, in line with public participation principles outlined in the Environmental Management Act.
The meeting’s final resolution remains unequivocal: NO to mining at Christmas Pass. The Toronto community is already in distress, and continued operations pose escalating risks to health, heritage, and the environment.
Our Call to Action
- Immediately stop mining at Christmas Pass, in accordance with community demands and the law.
- Conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs) as legally prescribed and ensure active, meaningful community participation in all decisions affecting their environment and livelihoods.
- Protect the constitutional rights of affected communities, consistent with national and international human rights standards.
- Strengthen collaboration with government, traditional leaders, resident associations, civil society, and research institutions to leverage collective influence toward sustainable policy and protection of Christmas Pass.
The statement is issued on behalf of:
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), Peacebuilding and Capacity Development Foundation (PACDEF), Centre for Research, Peace and Development in Africa (CRPDA), and Zimbabwe Diamond Workers Union (Zidawu).
*Anadi Sululu is an ordinary Zimbabwe citizen
