The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has petitioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene and stop mining activities at Christmas Pass Mountain in Mutare, warning that continued operations could trigger an environmental and humanitarian disaster.
The petition, to the Office of the President and Cabinet , urges the Head of State to protect the iconic landmark, enforce environmental laws and uphold constitutional rights.
CNRG says it is appealing to the President in his capacity as Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and principal custodian of the Constitution, arguing that urgent intervention is needed to safeguard the rule of law and Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.
The organisation argues that mining activities at Christmas Pass threaten the environment, public safety and the livelihoods of surrounding communities. It also raises concerns over compliance with environmental laws governing mining projects.
In the petition, CNRG cites Section 73 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Zimbabwean the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, saying the State has a duty to protect natural resources for present and future generations.
The organisation also references the Environmental Management Act, arguing that mining projects with significant environmental impacts must undergo Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and meaningful public consultation before operations begin.
According to the petition, mining operations have been publicly linked to Culverhouse Investments (Pvt) Ltd, operators of Toronto Mine. CNRG alleges there are serious concerns over whether the project has complied with environmental regulations and licensing requirements.
It says Christmas Pass is one of Zimbabwe’s most important natural landmarks and warns that its destruction would permanently damage the country’s environmental, cultural and tourism heritage.
The petition also questions the effectiveness of environmental oversight, saying reports that the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) issued rehabilitation directives have not eased concerns over continued mining activities.
CNRG has urged President Mnangagwa to order a review of the project, ensure all environmental laws are enforced and protect communities living near the mountain.
“The people of Mutare seek neither confrontation nor conflict. They seek protection, accountability and the assurance that no child, family or community will suffer a preventable tragedy because environmental laws were ignored or inadequately enforced,” the petition states.
The organisation says its appeal is intended to ensure that environmental protection, public safety and constitutional governance take precedence over unchecked resource extraction.
Christmas Pass is one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable natural landmarks, located on the eastern outskirts of Mutare along the Harare–Mutare highway. The mountain, famed for its winding descent into the city and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, is regarded as an important tourism attraction and forms part of the country’s natural and cultural heritage. In recent months, the site has become the centre of controversy following the expansion of mining activities, with environmentalists and residents warning that blasting and excavation could permanently alter the landscape and increase the risk of landslides and rockfalls.
