Zimbabwe bans mining in wildlife parks
ZIMBABWE’S government has banned mining in game reserves following concerns from conservationists who accused two Chinese companies of exploring for coal in the biggest national park, Hwange. Hwange, in western Zimbabwe, is home to the country's biggest elephant herd - more than 40,000, large pride of lions as well as buffalo, among other game and birds that are popular with tourists. The park is near a forest where 22 elephants have died in mysterious circumstances. The Bhejane Trust, which works with the wildlife authority in conservation in Hwange and the Safari Operators Association said two Chinese firms were allocated concessions…