Mining activities around The New established Globe And Phoenix Primary School banned in Kwekwe.

The Government of Zimbabwe, with immediate effect, has revoked the operating licence of a gold mining company that was carrying out gold leaching activities close to the newly constructed US$600,000 Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe.

This comes after concerns from parents, community leaders and education stakeholders over the risks posed by unregulated mining operations adjacent to the school.

Mining has long been a problem in the area, as one classroom block at the old Globe and Phoenix Primary School collapsed as a result of illegal mining tunnels dug underneath the premises.

The new school, which was built to provide a safe learning environment, consists of seven classroom blocks, an administration block, modern ablution facilities, and provisions to cater for children with disabilities.

Kwekwe District Development Co-ordinator, Fortunate Mpungu, dismissed reports suggesting that illegal mining activities were taking place near the new school.

“There is no illegal mining there. In fact, there was a miner conducting gold leaching nearby, but his licence was cancelled and he will be relocating soon. The Office of the Minister of State is seized with the matter.” Mpungu said

The Globe and Phoenix Primary School was decommissioned in 2023 after illegal mining compromised its infrastructure, and more than 1,300 pupils are reportedly to be temporarily housed at Russell Primary School grounds.

Some mining activities continue to pose serious challenges in the Midlands province with widespread environmental pollution from artisanal miners through the use of toxic chemicals, health risks from exposure to these substances and unsafe practices, pervasive violence and conflict, particularly from gangs and issues of corruption being a greater hindrance to economic growth.