Tinotenda Hove

A heated disagreement has erupted between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development over proposed mining activities in Hwange National Park. The controversy centers on the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone, an area critical to the survival of endangered black rhinos.

In a strongly-worded statement issued on March 6, 2025, ZimParks condemned the Ministry of Mines’ application for exclusive prospection rights to explore mining within Hwange, calling for the immediate cancellation of the application.

“The proposed mining project poses a significant threat, worsening the degradation of land, a critical concern for ZimParks, which has a mandate to ensure that at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and ecosystems are restored by 2030,” read the statement.

ZimParks expressed deep concern about the potential impact on the region’s wildlife population, particularly the black rhino, which is under intensive protection in the Sinamatella zone. This area is home to a growing population of black rhinos, listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix 1. ZimParks stressed that any mining activities would endanger the survival of this species.

“The introduction of mining activities in this vital area would undermine ecological conditions essential for wildlife survival and reproduction,” the statement continued. “This compromise will hinder our ongoing efforts to maintain and restore healthy populations of wildlife.”

According to ZimParks, approving mining in the Sinamatella zone would not only contradict their conservation mandate but also damage Zimbabwe’s global reputation as a leader in sustainable wildlife management. They pointed out that tourism, a significant revenue generator for the country, relies heavily on the integrity of Hwange National Park’s wildlife and the quality of visitor experiences.

“Tourism is a major revenue generator for the country, and our operations significantly rely on the revenue generated from tourism through leased concessions; thus, any mining operations introduced could adversely affect our ability to deliver quality experiences for tourists,” the statement warned.

Mining operations, ZimParks noted, would also likely lead to increased air, noise, and land pollution, which would disrupt wildlife movement, affect breeding patterns, and escalate poaching incidents.

Additionally, the proposed mining activities could impact the flow of groundwater in Hwange, exacerbating water shortages that already threaten local wildlife. The disruption of these vital water sources could increase mortality rates and heighten human-wildlife conflict in surrounding communities.

Beyond the environmental concerns, the area surrounding the Sinamatella zone holds cultural significance. The Bumbusi ruins, located within the area, are an important historical site for the Nambian-speaking communities. Traditional leaders visit the ruins annually to conduct cultural rituals and rain-making ceremonies, further complicating the issue.

ZimParks Spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, emphasized that the authority would continue to advocate for the protection of vital wildlife habitats. “We will continue to advocate for the safeguarding of critical wildlife habitats and uphold our commitment to conservation for the benefit of all Zimbabweans and future generations,” Farawo stated.

As the debate continues to unfold, it remains unclear whether the Ministry of Mines will reconsider its proposal or if the clash between conservation and mining interests will intensify. The outcome will likely have significant implications for Zimbabwe’s environmental and tourism sectors in the coming years.