In August 2020, the Zambezi Society and other stakeholders received a project description for the proposed development: “Riverbed alluvial gold mining and processing project along part of the Angwa River in Mashonaland Central by Falvect (Pvt) Ltd in partnership with ZMDC (under a “Special Grant No 7848”).
Project area:
“The proposed project area is about 240km North-East of Harare and is situated along Angwa River – at the confluence of Angwa and Maura River.” (NB: Note that the project scope and detail of locations have now changed from the above original prospectus description).
The prospectus was issued along with a questionnaire to stakeholders by the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), who were commissioned by Falvect to conduct the environmental impact assessment (EIA).
The prospectus raised concerns amongst conservation organisations, safari operators and other stakeholders, following which the Zambezi Valley Conservation Network (ZVCN) began a process of engagement with impacted stakeholders, as well as the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) and EMA. The objective at this stage was to gain a better understanding of the project scope and status, and discuss concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of the development.
September 2020:
Reports of a coal mining Special Grant in Hwange, followed by a subsequent social media campaign, led to an immediate ban on mining in protected areas, national parks and riverbeds, with the exemption of desiltation of the Angwa and Save rivers. According to Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, the granting of a mining concession through mining claims or a Special Grant was not a license for resumption of mining, and that license holders were required to obtain EIA approval and acceptance of Site Plan Works by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development (https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/
February 2021:
Reports of heavy machinery in the Angwa River alluded to the resumption of Falvect mining activity. The preliminary stakeholder forum was re-engaged and ZVCN led discussions with Falvect in order to gain a clear understanding of the status of the operation in relation to the ban on mining and its EIA and EMP status.
Subsequent dialogue with Falvect and SIRDC suggested a new project scope had been defined, that of desiltation of the riverbed, allowing for further extraction of minerals (gold) from the collected sand following desilting. It was furthermore concluded that the EIA had been submitted to EMA in 2020, however not approved due to the ban on mining in riverbeds. It was confirmed that EMA would not process the EIA until the new SI on riverbed mining was published. SIRDC confirmed that project activity could not go forward before obtaining the approved EIA under the direction of the new SI.
March 2021:
Images circulated on social media showed mining activity in the Angwa which led to a stakeholder meeting with Falvect and SIRDC, which was facilitated by ZVCN and included representatives from ZELA, EMA, conservation organisations and affected safari operators. The intention was to gain a more thorough understanding of the new project scope and objectives and the status of the project in light of reports of on-site activity despite the pending approval of an EIA.
In the course of this very useful meeting, Falvect confirmed the development is a partnership with ZMDC and the scope focused on the desiltation of a part of the Angwa River within the Special Grant. It was confirmed that initial (first phase) activity will be confined to the Angwa River from the Mkanga junction to the Angwa bridge, with the upper section including the Mana-Angwa Pools Complex to be mined in a subsequent phase. It was confirmed that sand processing for gold would still be undertaken as a secondary activity after removing the sand from the river by suction dredger. As confirmed by Falvect, the project is thus a ‘two in one’ exercise of desilting and mining. Falvect stated that the project is part of a government exercise to desilt selected rivers that were heavily silted due to environmental impact within catchments exacerbated by recent factors including small scale mining.
On 15 March 2021, Zambezi Society and Zambezi Network submitted:
- A dossier which has been compiled by the Zambezi Society with input from ZVCN members. It offers an overview of stakeholders limited understanding of the project, as well as potential environmental, economic, social and cultural issues for consideration. The dossier also included original stakeholder feedback in response to the original questionnaire circulated by SIRDC in August 2020.
- A document compiled by the Zambezi Society noting queries regarding environmental impact. We believe this document captured a wide consensus of concern from stakeholders as a result of the March 12th meeting. ZVCN endorsed the key environmental concerns voiced by area stakeholders, which we expect will be taken into consideration and addressed in the EIA process and project monitoring and management throughout the duration of the project and also upon its completion, ensuring full rehabilitation of the area and mitigating long-term environmental impact.
The above documents communicated that project activity would be measured against guidelines stated in the 5th Post Cabinet Press Statement, posted 9 March 2020, under section 5 (Initiatives towards achievement of the US12 Billion Mining Industry 2023) that: “…desiltation activities in portions of the Angwa, Save and Mutebekwi rivers can commence, subject to the condition that no chemicals are utilised and that the structures of the riverbeds are not affected”.
Most importantly, the documents included a request for an updated project prospectus and details in line with the new scope of both desiltation and alluvial gold mining including the area of project activity. They also included a request for an updated stakeholder questionnaire aligned to the updated operation objectives and plans. ZVCN also requested to know whether the EIA submitted is aligned to the original project scope or updated scope.
For a more detailed report and update on this commercial mining project please contact us at . The role of the ZVCN is to continue to assist the coordination of enquiries and responses by stakeholders and to support monitoring to ensure activities fall in line with both the legislative requirements and the EMA-approved environmental management plan.
Article by Jaeninne Norris, ZVCN Project Manager
All documents mentioned above, including Falvect original project description, Dossier by Zambezi Society and 5th Post Cabinet Press Statement, are available on request.
All information provided is merely for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional or legal advice. While the information provided has been verified to the best of our ability we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes. Should you choose to act upon any of the information provided, recipients should do so at their own risk. Please notify ZVCN directly of any queries or updates regarding the information provided at
