Hillcrest School takes Toronto Mines to court over gold mining at Christmas Pass

Hillcrest School in Mutare has filed an urgent application at the Mutare High Court seeking to stop gold mining activities at Mt Sinai in Toronto, in the once-scenic Christmas Pass area.

The school, through the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), wants the court to compel Toronto Mines to immediately cease operations, arguing that the mining threatens the environment, the school, and the learning environment for learners and teachers, as well as residents in the area.

The application was filed by ZLHR lawyers Calexy Maunga (Jnr), Tatenda Sigauke and Dorothy Mutungura on behalf of the school.

In the court papers, the lawyers argue that heightened open-cast mining activities at Toronto are causing significant disruption, disturbance and upheaval to Hillcrest School’s educational operations and its ability to carry out its mandate.

Hillcrest, which has been in existence for over 41 years, is located near the Christmas Pass – a gateway into Mutare known for its scenic views and sensitive environment.

The school says dust, noise, heavy machinery and general activity from the mine are affecting classes and the well-being of students and staff.

ZLHR said the case is not just about the school but also about environmental protection and the rights of residents who live around the mining site.

The school wants the High Court to order Toronto Mines, together with four other respondents – Calvar House Investments (Private) Limited, Maxwell Chad, Rosa Villa Investments (Private) Limited and Golden Cube Investments (Private) Limited – to cease all excavation and construction activities currently underway at Mt Sinai, Toronto.

It also wants the respondents to demobilise and remove from the site all excavators, heavy machinery, processing equipment and other equipment being used in connection with mining and related activities, pending lawful authorisation of the operations.

In addition, Hillcrest is seeking an interdict restraining Toronto Mines and the other respondents, whether acting jointly or severally, and whether through their employees, agents, contractors or any other persons acting on their behalf, from carrying out any mining-related activities at the site.

This includes mining, excavation, crushing, processing, mineral recovery, heap-leaching, further excavation of land, stockpiling of excavated material or debris, or construction or use of mining-related infrastructure.

The school argues that such activities should not be allowed to continue without first obtaining all requisite statutory licences, permits, environmental approvals and other authorisations from the competent regulatory authorities.

The matter is yet to be heard.