Zimbabwe Deploys Agencies to Tackle Illegal Gold Mining at Cattle Farm.
Zimbabwe's government has sent security and environmental agencies to the Rhodes Estate in Matopos National Park. The move aims to address illegal gold mining activities that threaten livestock production at a major cattle farm.
The Pilossof brothers run the 4,000-hectare farm, known for its Brahman and Beefmasters breeds. In 2014, they partnered with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to operate in the park.
Illegal gold miners have invaded the farm in recent years. Their digging has caused severe environmental damage. Many cattle have died after falling into the miners' pits.
On Thursday, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister Evelyn Ndlovu visited the farm with government officials. They assessed the problem firsthand.
Farm head Paul Pilossof estimates that about 200 pedigree cattle have died in the past few years due to the mining. The cattle fell into open pits or drank water contaminated with chemicals like cyanide. The farm's pedigree cattle can cost between $4,000 and $8,000 each.
Minister Ndlovu said the illegal mining activities are "counter-productive" and "cannot be allowed to continue." She ordered mines ministry officials to provide a list of miners with special permits to mine in the park.
ZimParks senior area manager Thembelani Sibanda said most gold miners do not have the required permits. He called for stakeholders to work together to remove the illegal miners.
The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) considers the farm one of the most degraded areas in the province due to illegal mining. EMA provincial manager Decent Ndlovu said it is "sad" to see the miners destroy the farmers' rehabilitation work.
The government's intervention aims to protect both the national park and the valuable livestock operation from further harm caused by illegal mining activities.
Zimbabwe's government has sent security and environmental agencies to the Rhodes Estate in Matopos National Park. The move aims to address illegal gold mining activities that threaten livestock production at a major cattle farm.
The Pilossof brothers run the 4,000-hectare farm, known for its Brahman and Beefmasters breeds. In 2014, they partnered with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to operate in the park.
Illegal gold miners have invaded the farm in recent years. Their digging has caused severe environmental damage. Many cattle have died after falling into the miners' pits.
On Thursday, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister Evelyn Ndlovu visited the farm with government officials. They assessed the problem firsthand.
Farm head Paul Pilossof estimates that about 200 pedigree cattle have died in the past few years due to the mining. The cattle fell into open pits or drank water contaminated with chemicals like cyanide. The farm's pedigree cattle can cost between $4,000 and $8,000 each.
Minister Ndlovu said the illegal mining activities are "counter-productive" and "cannot be allowed to continue." She ordered mines ministry officials to provide a list of miners with special permits to mine in the park.
ZimParks senior area manager Thembelani Sibanda said most gold miners do not have the required permits. He called for stakeholders to work together to remove the illegal miners.
The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) considers the farm one of the most degraded areas in the province due to illegal mining. EMA provincial manager Decent Ndlovu said it is "sad" to see the miners destroy the farmers' rehabilitation work.
The government's intervention aims to protect both the national park and the valuable livestock operation from further harm caused by illegal mining activities.
