Zimbabwe Opposes Coal Mining Project Threatening Black Rhino Sanctuary

ZimParks has opposed a coal mining project near Hwange National Park, citing risks to the endangered black rhino population. The project, proposed by Chinese firm Sunny Yi Feng, threatens vital ecosystems, including those supporting elephants. Conservationists urge the government to honor previous commitments to ban mining in nature reserves as black rhino numbers continue to decline.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has firmly opposed a proposed coal mining project in Hwange National Park, expressing concerns over its potential impact on the endangered black rhino population. They emphasized that the project, situated near the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone, poses a considerable threat to the species’ survival and have urged the Ministry of Mines to cancel the initiative.

ZimParks aims to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030 and warned that mining activities would heighten the risk of extinction for black rhinos, undermining conservation efforts in the region. Proposals for the project involve the Chinese firm Sunny Yi Feng, which seeks to explore coal on 16,000 hectares located just eight kilometers from the rhino protection zone.

Critics of the mining venture highlight that it would adversely affect essential ecological conditions necessary for the survival of local wildlife, affecting groundwater sources crucial for Hwange’s population of 65,000 elephants, the second-largest in Africa. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes black rhinos as endangered, noting approximately 6,400 remain globally, with a 1% decline observed last year attributed to poaching incidents.

The Zimbabwean government had previously promised to prevent mining activities in nature reserves, a commitment that emerged from similar concerns involving another Chinese entity, Tongmao Coal, in 2020. Advocates for conservation now urge the authorities to honor this pledge in light of current developments.

The proposed coal mining project in Hwange National Park has raised significant concerns among conservationists and authorities alike, particularly regarding its impact on the endangered black rhino population. ZimParks has highlighted the potential ecological risks and maintains that mining activities threaten both wildlife and conservation efforts. The continued pledge from the Zimbabwean government to protect nature reserves remains a critical focal point as stakeholders call for adherence to this commitment.

Original Source: newscentral.africa