OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF MINING ON THE ... - IIED pubs

There is exploration for diamonds, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, cobalt, platinum, and arsenic (ZGS,
2001).
3.29.3 Alluvial mining
Alluvial mining of gold is widespread, especially in the Sanyati, Munyati, Msweswe and Sebakwe Rivers (Figure
3.14; Chiyanike, 1997).
3.29.4 Monitoring systems
ZINWA has a large number of sampling points in the sub-catchment, mainly on the Sanyati, Munyati, Kwekwe
and Sebakwe Rivers.
3.29.5 Water quality data
Water quality data are available from ZINWA for several monitoring stations.
3.29.6 Implications for water quality and quantity management
The major impact of mining on the sub-catchment is to be expected from the gold mines, many of which also
produce antimony, mainly located in the Midlands Greenstone Belt between Kwekwe and Kadoma. These gold
mines, many of which are extensive in size, with six mines that have produced over 15t of gold and two that
have produced over 100t of gold, are likely to contribute acid mine drainage, iron and sulphate to the many local
streams and rivers that pass through the area. Many of these gold mines also contain arsenic and antimony
sulphides, potentially releasing these highly toxic metals into the local waters. Some gold mines have mercury
associated with them, e.g. Cactus Mine, and some are associated with bismuth.
The large iron ore mines, now closed, at Ripple Creek and Tank, are likely to have a high impact on the local
stream systems, due to their immense size (over seven million tons of iron ore were extracted from the two sites
alone) as well as acid mine drainage and iron possibly released into the water.
Three heavy metal mines in the sub-catchment deserve mention: Empress Mine, a one-time producer of nickel
and palladium; zinc and copper producer, Copper Queen, and the recently started copper-lead-zinc mine at
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