The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has intensified enforcement against mining-related pollution, issuing Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs) to six mining companies across Matabeleland South, Manicaland, and Mashonaland West for failing to control fugitive dust emissions from ore haulage trucks.
The regulatory action immediately suspends ore transportation activities at the affected operations, with EMA citing serious environmental and public health concerns arising from excessive dust generated along mining transport routes.
The agency also imposed the maximum statutory penalty under current regulations, a Level 14 ticket carrying a fine of US$5,000, following inspections that found widespread non-compliance.
In Matabeleland South, Gwanda Lithium Mine was fined and ordered to stop ore transportation after failing to comply with conditions attached to an EPO issued on October 23, 2026.
In Manicaland, Sabi Star Mine in Buhera was directed to suspend all ore haulage operations due to dust pollution affecting surrounding communities and received the same Level 14 penalty.
Mashonaland West recorded the highest number of affected operators, with Moral Capital, Shona Minerals, Zimfare Mining, and African Chrome Fields Mines in the Mhondoro-Ngezi district all issued EPOs and fined US$5,000 each for dust-related environmental violations.
Issued under Section 37(4) of the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27), the orders prohibit the movement of ore-carrying trucks until the companies achieve compliance.
To resume operations, the firms must submit approved dust management plans and implement effective mitigation measures, including road watering and other dust-suppression systems.
EMA said fugitive dust emissions pose significant risks to public health, particularly respiratory illnesses among communities living along transport corridors, while also contributing to environmental degradation and damage to road infrastructure.
The enforcement campaign comes as Zimbabwe advances sweeping environmental law reforms aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight.
Proposed amendments will expand EMA’s powers to impose civil penalties, introduce escalating sanctions for continuing violations, and remove existing limits on operational shutdowns.
EMA has warned that continued non-compliance could result in criminal prosecution, asset seizures, and extended suspension of mining activities. 
