Six more mining companies fined for pollution in Manica province, central Mozambique

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Six more mining companies fined for pollution in Manica province, central Mozambique

12:40 CAT | 19 Aug 2025

FILE - For illustration purposes only. [File photo: DW]

Mozambican authorities have fined six more mining companies for pollution, bringing to 11 the number of companies penalized for environmental crimes in Manica province, central Mozambique, an official source said.

“Last week, while we were holding the national meeting to improve the strategy for mitigating environmental problems, which took place here in Manica province, we conducted field visits, where we found that there are still companies violating the law,” the media quote national mine inspector Grácio Cune as saying.

According to Cune, each mining company was penalized according to the type of infraction committed: “That’s what we did, as required by law.”

President Daniel Chapo had already announced in May the suspension of the activities of five mining companies in Manica province for environmental crimes and pollution.

Glácio Cune explained that, to date, mining activities in the Révuè basin have been suspended, and most of the 11 companies are currently “at a standstill”.

Mozambican authorities also explained that some of the companies had already been warned to observe all environmental regulations during mining operations.

“During this visit, we also found that this activity continues to significantly affect the waters of the Chicamba reservoir. The water remains quite murky, and from the bridge over the Révuè River, it reaches the dam almost muddy,” added the mining inspector.

In May, Daniel Chapo warned that river pollution hinders agricultural activity, even leading to the deaths of animals and people in that province.

“Because of mining, all the rivers are polluted. We are currently suspending five companies that are committing this environmental crime, because the activities they are carrying out are damaging the environment,” the head of state said at the time.

The president stated that, in addition to suspending operations, mining companies would be fined.

“If they continue to pollute the environment, we will even collect their machinery and sell it at public auction,” the president declared.

Source: Lusa