The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has confirmed that a disputed gold-processing project in Mutare commenced construction and installation works involving 30 cyanidation tanks without first obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Certificate, in breach of Zimbabwe’s environmental laws.
The revelations come days after residents raised alarm over an alleged unlicensed gold-processing plant in the Valley of Kings area, citing concerns over environmental contamination, public health risks and security challenges.
In a media response, EMA acknowledged the violations and outlined enforcement measures taken against the project developer.
“The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) acknowledges that the proponent of the mentioned project commenced construction and installation works involving 30 cyanidation tanks without first obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Certificate, in violation of Section 97 of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27],” the agency said.
EMA said an inspection carried out on September 14, 2026 resulted in regulatory action against the project.
“Following an inspection conducted on 14 September 2026, the Agency issued two tickets, one for implementing a prescribed project without an EIA Certificate and another for using cyanide without a Hazardous Substances licence,” EMA said.
The agency further confirmed that it issued an Environmental Protection Order (EPO) directing the developer to halt activities at the site.
“The Agency also issued an Environmental Protection Order (EPO) directing the proponent to cease all operations at the site until an EIA Certificate had been granted,” EMA said.
According to the environmental regulator, follow-up inspections conducted on October 13 and November 3 found that operations had not resumed.
“To verify compliance with the EPO, the Agency conducted follow-up inspections on 13 October 2026 and 3 November 2026. Both inspections established that operations at the site had been suspended,” EMA said.
The agency added that it would continue monitoring the project to ensure compliance.
“The Agency will continue to monitor the site to ensure that the EPO remains in force and that no activities resume without the requisite regulatory approvals,” EMA said.
EMA also revealed that the project developer has since submitted an application for environmental approval, although the review process is still underway.
“The Agency further confirms that it has since received an EIA application for the proposed project. The application is currently undergoing review in accordance with the applicable environmental regulatory procedures,” the agency said.
While the latest statement confirms that operations remain suspended, it also provides the first official acknowledgment by environmental authorities that the installation of cyanidation infrastructure proceeded without the mandatory EIA certification and hazardous substances licensing requirements.
EMA said it would continue enforcing environmental laws across mining projects and urged developers to comply with legal requirements before commencing prescribed activities.
“EMA will continue to discharge its regulatory and oversight mandate by closely monitoring all these projects, in this case mining operations, and enforcing compliance with environmental legislation. This is aimed at safeguarding the environment and protecting public health,” the agency said. 
