By SIMBARASHE SITHOLE
EUREKA Gold Mine in Guruve Mashonaland Central is under fire from Environmental Agency Management (EMA) for allegedly contaminating Dande River with cyanide.
Environment Agency Management spokesperson Amkela Sidange confirmed the case in a statement.
“The Agency confirms carrying out an inspection at Eureka Mine on 21 April 2024 upon
receiving a report by the mine of an accidental spillage. This was in compliance to the
requirements of the Environmental Management Act Chapter 20:27 as read with
Statutory Instrument 6 of 2007 on the handling of accidental spillages. The inspection
by the Agency focused on ascertaining the extent of the problem and proffer
sustainable solutions to the obtaining problem. Preliminary findings revealed that the
process water (cyanide-containing effluent) spillage occurred at Eureka Mine on 21
April 2024. The spillage emanated from the recycling pond at the Tailings Storage
Facility (TSF) and drained into the Dande River which is a raw water source for Guruve
water supply. EMA collected water samples on 21 and 22 April 2024 for chemical
analysis at the Environmental Management Laboratory as part of the investigation
process. On the other hand, the Agency also issued an Environmental Protection Order
(Number 0022533) to Eureka Mine to put in place necessary pollution abatement
measures for both in the interim and long term. The Agency is currently monitoring
compliance to the order by the mine,” reads the statement.
Contacted for comment Eureka Human Capital and Services manager Tinago Tinago tried to downplay the case saying he was in a two day meeting and would call back after.
Meanwhile Guruve residents are not happy with Eureka mine as tap water has been temporarily closed and a relief borehole has been drilled to mitigate water shortages.
“We are not happy with Eureka because tap water is nolonger safe to drink and the relief borehole drilled is a good move but there is a meandering que.” Richard Padya said.
The Dande River is a vital source of water for communities downstream, used for drinking, irrigation, and livestock. The contamination of the river with cyanide could have a devastating impact on the health and livelihoods of local residents.