CNRG petitions Parliament over Boterekwa mining activities

April 2, 2026

by Pretty Chavango

Centre for Natural Resource Governance CNRG Zimbabwe has petitioned the Parliament of Zimbabwe to urgently intervene in the alleged environmental destruction and human rights violations linked to mining activities in Boterekwa, Shurugwi.

The petition, submitted in line with Sections 59 and 149 of the Constitution, reflects growing concerns from local communities who say they are bearing the brunt of unregulated and harmful extractive practices.

According to CNRG, mining operations in the Boterekwa area have reportedly failed to comply with environmental and legal standards, despite the presence of regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Environmental Management Agency.

Communities have raised a range of concerns, including severe environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and hazardous dust pollution that is reportedly contributing to respiratory illnesses. The unsafe use of cyanide and other toxic chemicals has also been flagged, alongside contamination of water sources such as the Mutevekwi River with heavy metals.

Residents further allege that blasting activities from mining operations have caused structural damage to homes, raising both safety and livelihood concerns.

“These violations are not just environmental, they are a direct assault on community dignity, health, and livelihoods,” CNRG said in a statement, adding that Zimbabwe’s Constitution mandates that natural resources should benefit citizens rather than harm them.

The petition urges Parliament to exercise its oversight role by investigating the reported violations, enforcing compliance with environmental and cultural protection laws, and ensuring compensation for affected households.

It also calls for stronger regulation of artisanal mining and immediate measures to protect public health and the environment.

CNRG said the petition forms part of broader efforts to promote accountability and transparency in Zimbabwe’s extractive sector, where communities often face environmental damage and rights violations linked to mining activities.

The organization has urged lawmakers to act decisively and in the public interest to address what it describes as “rampant unsafe mining practices” in the Boterekwa mountain range.