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News / NationalVillagers, Chinese firm clash over granite mining plansby Staff reporter19 secs ago |0ViewsVillagers in Uzumba, Mashonaland East province, are fiercely opposing a planned granite mining project by Chinese-owned Hong Ri Trading, accusing the company of environmental violations and forging key regulatory approvals, The Zimbabwe Independent has established.The proposed mine, set to operate across Foto, Jenyura and Magaya villages, has ignited anger among locals who claim the company falsified an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate — a mandatory clearance issued by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).Villagers argue that large-scale quarrying will destroy their environment, contaminate rivers, and desecrate sacred ancestral shrines, echoing similar disputes in Mutoko district, where Chinese mining firms have previously faced community resistance over environmental degradation.In an objection letter addressed to the Mashonaland East provincial mining director, and copied to the Ministries of Mines and Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the villagers demanded the immediate termination of Hong Ri’s plans, warning that “any large-scale mining operation in this area [is] unsustainable for our livelihoods.””The proposed mining project poses an irreversible threat to our community,” the letter reads.
“It will negatively impact the sustainability, health, environmental and cultural integrity of our community if not solved with urgency.”They warned that quarrying activities would lower the water table, dry up wetlands, and pollute the Chidye and Munwahuku rivers, which are vital for domestic use and irrigation.”The hill and the surrounding area in which the claims lie is very sloppy and close to the Chidye River. The location is not only a drainage basin for Chidye River but also for Munwahuku River.
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