Chinese Enjoying Political Protection, Says CNRG After Lowly $520 000 Fine For River Bed Mining

By Bustop TV

THE Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has described government regulatory body Environmental Management Agency’s (EMA) $520 000 fine to Chinese owned Edsabri as lowly and not enough to deter further violations.

Edsabri was on Tuesday fined for engaging in illegal river bed gold mining at Inyorka Ranch in Matobo, Matebeleland South while further misrepresenting that they had been granted authority by government.

Ranch Owner Phillip Mpofu reported the case, accusing the Chinese of “Environmental Damage.”

“The amount of money they have been fined leads us to the conclusion that it is easier to violate, pay the fine and continue with the violation,” said CNRG Executive Director Farai Maguwu.

The $520 000 fine translates to US$2 600 on the black market and about US$4 300 at the official but unpopular rate.

Added Maguwu: “In other countries the penalties are very stiff and consequences for going against the law.

“I am keen to know whether after the violation it will be allowed to continue.

“In our case and especially where the Chinese are concerned they operate way above the law, they enjoy impunity and political communication.”

None of the Chinese implicated in illegal mining or land degradation have been effectively stopped.

Chief Chiweshe of Muzarabani last year accused another Chinese company which had started chrome mining activities in World heritage Site nominee Mavhuradonha Wilderness of taking advantage of the role their country had played in liberating Zimbabwe.

A number of Chinese owned companies have over the past years been accused of engaging in illegal mining activities as the one Edsabri has been fined for and others that include unlawful displacements of locals.

In a statement shared on Monday he Chinese Embassy however maintained they are being targeted by xenophobic individuals and organisations.

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