Court Slaps Chinese Miner with US$10,000 Fine for Defying Suspension Order

A Lime and Cement Manufacturing Plant (image source)

Reporter

The High Court has fined Chinese mining company Shuntai Investments US$10,000 after finding it in contempt of a court order halting construction of a cement and lime manufacturing plant near Bryden Country School.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Samuel Deme, comes after the Bryden Country School Trust accused Shuntai of wilfully ignoring a provisional order granted on March 25, 2025. The school argued that the construction posed a serious health risk to learners and staff through airborne dust, noise pollution, and increased traffic hazards. The Trust maintained that these disturbances compromised the academic environment and were incompatible with the school’s role as a learning sanctuary.

“This is not about opposing investment, it is about safeguarding children’s health and their right to education in a safe environment,” a school board member said.

In its application, the school also cited Shuntai directors Yinliang Jia and Mingchang Xing, as well as the Sheriff of Zimbabwe, the officer-in-charge of Harare Central Police, and the officer-in-charge of Chegutu Police Station. Shuntai argued that Yinliang and Mingchang should not be dragged into the case because they were not parties to the original proceedings (case number HCH1326/25). The company accused the school of improperly “piercing the corporate veil” without legal justification.

Justice Deme agreed that the directors were “not properly before the court” but found the company itself in clear violation of the order. During a July 25 site inspection, the court discovered that Shuntai’s claim of only erecting “temporary structures” was false. “Having realised that this version was unsustainable in light of the examination in loco, Shuntai fabricated a different version to avoid the consequences of contempt,” Justice Deme ruled. “Shuntai cannot escape penalties ordinarily imposed upon liars.” The judge stressed that respect for court orders is essential for the integrity of the justice system.

Shuntai maintained that its activities posed no health risk and that it was in compliance with environmental standards. However, the judge dismissed this, stating the issue was not environmental compliance but defiance of a lawful order. Legal analyst Tendai Mataruse says the ruling sends a strong message to corporations operating in Zimbabwe.

“You can’t treat court orders as suggestions. Whether you’re a small operator or a foreign investor, the same law applies,” Mataruse said.

The case underscores tensions between Zimbabwe’s desire to attract foreign investment and the obligation to protect community rights. Mining and industrial projects often bring jobs and revenue, but without strict regulation, they can also bring environmental and social costs. Bryden Country School’s victory may embolden other communities to challenge developments they consider harmful, especially when health and education are at stake.

The court’s order compels Shuntai to halt all construction until the main dispute is resolved. The miner must also pay the school’s legal costs. For parents like Sarah Nyamadzawo, whose child attends Bryden, the ruling offers some relief. “It’s not about being anti-development. It’s about doing it responsibly. You can’t build a factory on a school’s doorstep and pretend it’s harmless.” While the US$10,000 fine may not cripple Shuntai’s finances, legal experts note that the reputational damage — and the precedent set — could have longer-lasting consequences.