Zimbabwe school mines joins heap-leaching investigation, as MPs demand safeguards
By Staff Writer, Parliamentary Watch
A team including representatives from the Zimbabwe School of Mines in Bulawayo has investigated heap-leaching practices in China as the government considers stronger controls on the mining method, Parliament heard.
Deputy Mines and Mining Development Minister F. Moyo told the National Assembly during its session on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. He said the investigation involved ministry engineers, the Environmental Management Agency, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority, and the mining school.
Moyo was responding to MP Mapiki, who asked how government would address environmental damage associated with the mining method.
The deputy minister described heap leaching as a process involving piles of gold-bearing material treated with chemicals. He raised concerns about the possible release of cyanide into rivers.
We wanted to learn whether Zimbabwean actions are the same as those in China. We wanted to know if what they do in Zimbabwe equals what they do in China. Are the same chemicals they use in China the same chemicals they use in Zimbabwe?” Moyo said.
He said the team had returned and was comparing its findings with operations in Zimbabwe.
“Comparing their discoveries from China with what is being done in Zimbabwe, they are going to come up with a report and I look forward to the possibility that by the end of this month we will have some legislation in place,” he said.
MP S. Tshuma called for a broader legislative response covering mineral accountability and national benefits.
“We should have that Bill before the House, then we look into it and see how best we can handle the situation because the country must also benefit from those mining activities,” Tshuma said.
Moyo also proposed involving councillors in identifying and monitoring mining operations, but said discussions with the local government ministry had not yet produced agreement.
