Chimoio, Mozambique, Aug. 19, 2025 (Lusa) - Mozambican authorities have fined six more mining companies for pollution, bringing to 11 the number of companies penalised for environmental crimes in the central province of Manica, an official source said.
“Last week, while we were holding the national meeting to improve strategies for mitigating environmental problems, which took place here in Manica province, we made field visits, where we found that there are still opportunities for some companies to comply with the law fully,” said Grácio Cune, national mining inspector, quoted by the media.
According to the representative, authorities penalised each mining company according to the type of offence committed: “This is what we did, as required by law.”
Mozambique’s President, Daniel Chapo, announced in May the suspension of the activities of five mining companies in Manica province for environmental crimes and pollution.
Cune explained that, to date, authorities have suspended mining activities in the Révuè basin, and most of the 11 companies are currently “paused”.
The Mozambican authorities also explained that they had warned some of the companies to comply with all environmental rules during mining activities.
“During this visit, we also found that this activity continues to have a significant impact on the waters of the Chicamba reservoir. The water remains very cloudy and, from the bridge over the Révuè River, it reaches the dam almost muddy,” added the mine inspector.
In May, Daniel Chapo highlighted that reducing river pollution will support agricultural activity and help protect animals and people in the province.
“Mining activities have polluted all the rivers (…), we have currently suspended five companies that were committing this environmental crime, because the activities they were carrying out were damaging the environment,” said the head of state at the time.
The president added that, in addition to suspending activities, mining companies will be required to pay fines for the crimes committed.
“If they continue to pollute the environment, we will even collect the machines that are there and sell them at public auction,” the president declared.
LYCE/ADB // ADB.
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