Kovedzayi Takawira
Hwange–The Zimbabwean government is under scrutiny after it emerged that Sunny Yi Feng, a Chinese-owned company, has applied for a coal prospecting permit in Hwange National Park’s buffer zone.
Sunny Yi Feng has been widely rapped over environmental and labour rights violations at its mega-million tile project in Norton near Harare.
The application, published in the Government Gazette on February 14, 2025, has raised concerns over a potential policy reversal, as it comes despite a 2020 cabinet ban on mining operations in national parks.
The company has sought an Exclusive Prospecting Order (EPO) covering 16,120 hectares, approximately 8 kilometres from Sinamatella Camp, a key wildlife and tourism hub.
While the proposed site lies outside the boundaries of Hwange National Park, it falls within the park’s buffer zone, an area critical for maintaining ecological balance and wildlife corridors.
The 2020 ban, announced by then Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa, explicitly prohibited mining in protected areas.
“Mining in areas held by the national park is banned with immediate effect.
“Steps are being undertaken to immediately cancel all mining titles held in national parks,”
Mutsvangwa said in a post-cabinet briefing on September 8, 2020.
The application has drawn sharp criticism from local communities, civil society organisations and environmental activists who argue that the move undermines conservation efforts and threatens the region’s biodiversity.
Nkosi Sibanda, a member of the Hwange community, expressed frustration over the lack of consultation.
“I haven’t heard of anyone who has been consulted. This is something that has been circulating in environmental circles, but there has been no transparency,” he said.
Sibanda warned that mining activities, even in the buffer zone, could disrupt wildlife corridors and lead to increased human-wildlife conflict.
“Bringing in heavy machinery will disturb animal movement. Wildlife will encroach on human settlements in search of food and water, escalating conflicts,” he explained.
He also highlighted the potential impact on tourism, a key economic driver for the region.
“If animals are displaced, tourists will no longer find them in their usual spots. There’s a real risk they could migrate to neighbouring areas like Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
Farai Maguwu, director of the Centre for Natural Resources Governance (CNRG), described the application as a “legal loophole” that signals a potential policy reversal.
“After the 2020 Cabinet ban, we demanded that the decision be legislated, but the calls were ignored. A cabinet decision alone cannot stand in a court of law,” he said.
Maguwu also suggested that powerful interests could be behind the application.
“Mining in Zimbabwe is driven by elite corruption. The Chinese often act as fronts for influential government officials.
“If you investigate this application deeply, you may find that it leads to the doorstep of a senior government figure,” he alleged.
However, Wellington Takavarasha, the chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Mining Federation, downplayed concerns, emphasising that the gazette does not equate to approval.
“The gazette doesn’t necessarily override the ban but rather provides an opportunity for stakeholders to object.
“The community has the power to stop the project, and ultimately, the cabinet will have the final say,” said Takavarasha
He added that the current application is for exploration, not actual mining, and that environmental considerations, including potential relocation of wildlife, will be assessed if the project progresses.
“The application is for exploration, not mining. If granted, the company will be required to conduct environmental impact assessments and outline plans for mitigating the effects on wildlife. The community still has the opportunity to object, and cabinet will review the project before any mining rights are issued,” he added.
Conservationists have warned that coal prospecting in the area could have devastating consequences.
“Coal is arguably the dirtiest form of fossil fuel. It pollutes water, land, and air, leading to severe land degradation. This could disrupt wildlife migration routes and undermine tourism,” said Maguwu.
He also warned of the risk of coal seam fires, which pose significant dangers to both humans and wildlife.
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve, is home to a diverse range of species, including elephants, lions, and endangered African wild dogs.
The park is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, which contributes significantly to the country’s economy.