Government Warns Against Mining and Blasting at Zimbabwe’s Cultural Heritage Sites

HARARE – The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Raphael Faranisi, has declared that mining and blasting activities should not be permitted at cultural heritage sites anywhere in Zimbabwe, warning that the destruction of national heritage threatens the country's identity and historical legacy.

Faranisi made the remarks on Thursday while giving oral evidence before a joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the Thematic Committee on Culture and Heritage at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden. The hearing focused on concerns over the protection and preservation of Zimbabwe's cultural and historical sites amid increasing development and mining activities in some areas.

Addressing lawmakers, Faranisi said authorities have received numerous complaints regarding activities taking place at sites of cultural and historical significance.

"There are so many complaints. We have got very good investors, our dear friends, but they don't care. In their countries, they will never do that," said Faranisi.

He warned that some investors and mining operators were damaging locations that hold cultural, spiritual, and historical importance to local communities and the nation as a whole. According to Faranisi, Zimbabwe must safeguard its heritage sites from activities that could permanently alter or destroy them.

The permanent secretary called on members of the public to report any mining, quarrying, or blasting activities taking place at protected cultural heritage sites. He urged communities to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure violations are investigated and addressed promptly. Faranisi also appealed to traditional leaders to take a more active role in protecting sacred and culturally significant areas within their jurisdictions.

"Communities must report such activities to the police, and traditional leaders should assist in ensuring that our heritage sites are protected," he said.

Faranisi said cultural heritage sites form an important part of Zimbabwe's identity and should be preserved for future generations. He expressed concern that some foreign actors appeared willing to undertake activities at heritage sites in Zimbabwe that would not be tolerated in their countries of origin.

The preservation of heritage sites has become an increasingly important issue as Zimbabwe seeks to balance economic development, mining investment, and environmental conservation with the protection of cultural resources. Experts in heritage conservation have long argued that historical and cultural landmarks provide educational, tourism, and cultural value, while also serving as important symbols of national history and identity.

The issue of mining near culturally significant areas has generated public debate in recent years, with conservationists, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations calling for stricter enforcement of heritage protection laws. Zimbabwe is home to numerous archaeological, historical, and sacred sites that are protected under national heritage legislation. Stakeholders have repeatedly warned that blasting, excavation, and other extractive activities can cause irreversible damage to cultural landscapes, historical artefacts, and sacred sites.

Faranisi's remarks signal the government's intention to strengthen oversight and encourage greater community involvement in protecting Zimbabwe's cultural heritage from destructive activities. The parliamentary committees are expected to continue engaging stakeholders as discussions on heritage conservation and site protection progress.

Zimbabwe cultural heritage sites