41 Graves in Zimbabwe Village Set for Relocation to Allow Gold Mine Expansion

Mazhambe Village in Guruve, Zimbabwe is facing the relocation of more than 40 graves to make way for the expansion of a gold mine's waste dump. Eureka Gold Mine, a subsidiary of Delta Gold Zimbabwe, has announced plans to exhume and relocate 41 graves in the village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Chief Chipuriro.

The relocation plans were made public through a notice published in a Government Gazette. The notice states that anyone with objections to the grave relocation should contact the human capital and support services manager at Eureka Mine.

Under Zimbabwean law, the exhumation of graves is a regulated process, and violating graves or corpses is considered a criminal offense. The relocation of the graves in Mazhambe Village is necessary for Eureka Gold Mine to proceed with the construction of a waste dump as part of its mining operations.

Why this matters: The relocation of graves to accommodate mining activities raises concerns about the balance between economic development and the preservation of cultural heritage and sacred sites. It highlights the challenges faced by communities impacted by mining operations and the need for responsible practices that respect local traditions and values.

In a separate development, the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe has also announced plans to remove human remains from a site in Mount Hampden. This is to clear the way for the construction of a multi-million-dollar Cyber City development. The public has been given until April 30, 2024, to lodge any objections to this application in writing.

The relocation of the graves in Mazhambe Village is expected to proceed once any objections have been addressed and the necessary legal requirements have been met. Eureka Gold Mine will be responsible for ensuring that the exhumation and reburial process is carried out with respect and in accordance with cultural traditions and legal regulations.

Key Takeaways

• Mazhambe Village in Zimbabwe faces relocation of 41 graves for mine waste dump.
• Eureka Gold Mine plans to exhume and relocate graves, requiring public objections.
• Grave relocation raises concerns about balancing economic development and cultural heritage.
• National Museums to remove human remains for Cyber City development in Mount Hampden.
• Eureka Gold Mine responsible for respectful exhumation and reburial of graves.