Gold mining is causing an increasing decline in water quality in central Mozambique, with visible effects on sediment loads, riverbeds and downstream water users. In August 2026, experts from the Dutch Water Authorities (DWA) joined the ARA-Centro, IPand provincial entities taskforce to review progress and agree on further measures in the Púnguè and Buzi basins.
Purpose of the work visit
From 17 to 25 August, Dutch Water Authorities experts Bert Jager, Robert Boonstra and Manon Schaap collaborated with ARA-Centro and other entitities in Sofala and Manica provinces. The visit involved reviewing the implementation of taskforce action plans on gold mining, discussing progress on licensing, enforcement and surface water monitoring, and identifying what support the institutions require.
A recurring theme throughout the week was that water managers cannot address the impacts of gold mining alone. Water management, mining and agriculture must be considered together, with the relevant ministries and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Commission involved.
Agreeing on preventive measures
On 18 August, the Púnguè task force met at Gorongosa National Park. The meeting brought together government institutions, the park authorities, mining companies, the water utility company and the University of Zambezi. Following a review of progress, the task force agreed to establish a monitoring group with a fixed schedule and to develop an integrated plan to minimise the environmental impact of mining activities. They also agreed to organise miners into cooperatives and promote alternative income sources, such as agriculture and livestock farming.
A field visit to the catchment area revealed high levels of sediment and visible damage to the riverbed. Participants concluded that better coordination is needed between institutions for enforcement, monitoring and awareness-raising, with ARA-Centro temporarily taking the lead.
A different approach
On 19 August, the Buzi task force held its fourth coordination meeting in Chimoio, focusing on the Revue, a tributary of the Buzi River. Monitoring results showed a slight improvement in the water quality of Lake Chicamba. The University of Zambezi presented techniques for treating effluent from mining operations, as well as strategies for restoring riparian biodiversity. Participants also discussed setting up cooperatives and baning artisanal mining.
Pollution in the Revue sub-basin is more advanced than in the Púnguè, so a different approach is needed there. The aim is still to protect the river and reduce the impact of this economic activity on the environment.
Meeting with Gorongosa National Park
On 24 August, the team from the Dutch Water Authorities presented their analysis findings from Gorongosa National Park to the park’s administration. The Park recognised the value of joint monitoring inside and upstream of its boundaries, as well as of setting up a water quality laboratory, two areas in which the Blue Deal could support the Park and ARA-Centro in collaborating. The Park also raised two challenges: providing local communities with viable alternatives to mining and improving the exchange of information between the provinces of Manica and Sofala.
Recommendations and next steps
The visit highlighted the need for closer coordination between the Ministries of Agriculture and Mining, the governments of Sofala and Manica provinces, and cooperation programs. This should include sharing information on licences and agreeing an action plan with dates and designated responsible parties. To achieve this, the team proposed a high-level meeting between the Ministries of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources; Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries; and Mineral Resources and Energy. It is also essential to link the project to the Beira Corridor and decide how to proceed in the Púnguè basin. The Blue Deal will continue to bring these institutions together and support ARA-Centro's monitoring activities.
Originally published in: https://dutchwaterauthorities.com/news/addressing-the-impact-of-gold-mining-on-the-pungue-and-buzi-river-basins-in-mozambique/
