1, September, 2026: A large scale sand mining operation in Mozambique’s Zambezia Province has been linked to the destruction of hundreds of hectares of mangrove forests, raising fresh concerns about the environmental impact of heavy mineral mining along the country’s coastline.
An investigation found that mangrove loss in the Chinde district of the Zambezi River Delta is associated with activities carried out in an area controlled by Mozambique Heavy Sand Company VIII, which is linked to the Chinese mining group Jinan Yuxiao Group.
Satellite imagery showed significant environmental changes between 2022 and 2026, including what appeared to be the blocking of a waterway near mining activity. The disruption may have cut off the connection between an estuary and the sea, changing water conditions that mangroves depend on to survive.
Mozambique has the largest expanse of mangrove forests in East Africa, with more than 300,000 hectares spread along its coastline. These ecosystems play a vital role in protecting coastal communities from cyclones, rising tides and erosion while also supporting fisheries and wildlife.
Environmental experts say the Zambezi Delta is particularly important because it is considered one of the world’s most diverse and productive river delta systems. The area is also recognised as a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
Heavy mineral sands found along Mozambique’s coast contain valuable minerals such as ilmenite, zircon and rutile. These minerals are used in products ranging from paints and plastics to sunscreen and industrial materials.
However, extracting them can significantly reshape coastal landscapes and alter natural water systems.
Earth observation specialists monitoring the region began noticing an increase in mangrove deforestation alerts in late 2023. Further analysis of satellite images suggested that human activity rather than natural coastal erosion or storms, was likely responsible for the unusual pattern of destruction.
Over several years, new roads appeared in the estuarine landscape while large vessels were seen operating in narrow waterways. By early 2026, areas that were previously covered in dense mangrove vegetation had reportedly been transformed into bare and dry land surrounding water channels.
Environmental activists have increasingly warned that heavy mineral mining projects along Mozambique coast are damaging sensitive habitats, dunes and coastal ecosystems.
A 2024 report by civil society groups documented environmental and social concerns connected to several mining companies, including habitat destruction, pollution and problems involving community resettlement and compensation.
The mining sector has become increasingly important to Mozambique because of its large reserves of titanium bearing mineral sands. However, critics argue that much of the economic value from these resources is generated outside the country because raw minerals are exported for processing abroad.
The Mozambican government has recently introduced changes to mining regulations, including restrictions on the export of unprocessed minerals. However, existing mining licenses may not be affected by the new rules.
Experts believe that some of the damage to the Zambezi Delta could still be reversed if action is taken quickly. Restoring the natural connection between the river and the sea could help recreate the salinity and sediment conditions needed for mangroves to recover naturally.
But environmental specialists warn that the longer restoration efforts are delayed, the more difficult it could become to bring the damaged ecosystem back to life.