A recent report from the Bulawayo City Council has raised significant environmental concerns regarding a proposed heap leach pad on Alice Farm in the Umzingwane district. Council rangers identified the development as a potential ecological hazard due to its proximity to the Upper Ncema Dam, a crucial water source for the region.
“The proximity of the proposed pad to the Upper Ncema Dam increases the risk of accidental spills or leaks, which could lead to the contamination of the water body. Cyanide is highly toxic and poses a serious threat to aquatic life and human health. The potential long-term damage to the ecosystem and the local communities cannot be ignored,” the council report highlighted
Heap leaching, an industrial mining process used to extract valuable minerals such as gold, copper, and uranium from ore, involves a series of chemical reactions that separate minerals from other earth materials.
The chemicals used are highly concentrated and are typically contained within process vessels in conventional facilities. However, in heap leach circuits, the process solution is often exposed to the environment in open trenches and ponds, significantly increasing the risk of environmental contamination.
“Environmental concerns associated with heap leach facilities revolve primarily around the failure to contain process solutions within the heap leach circuit and their potential release onto the receiving surface and subsurface environment. This can have severe impacts on the health of people, livestock, and ecosystems,” read the report
The council convened a stakeholder meeting on March 21, 2024, to address these pressing environmental concerns.
It was revealed during the meeting that the applicant for the heap leach pad had bypassed the critical step of obtaining necessary approvals from relevant authorities, including the Environmental Management Agency (EMA).
“The heap leach pad poses a significant threat to the surrounding area and the local community. Immediate action is necessary to address this critical issue and ensure the protection of both the dam and the well-being of the people,” the report said.
The council’s urgent call for action underscores the need for stringent regulatory oversight and comprehensive environmental assessments for mining activities, particularly those involving hazardous chemicals like cyanide.
The potential for significant ecological damage and health risks mandates a cautious and well-regulated approach to such developments.
