Zimbabwe banned small-scale panning for minerals and diamonds. The move became necessary to immediately end such mining activities after it was found that some 600,000 (residents and non-residents alike) were involved in the activity.%%Panning has resulted in chemical contamination of waterways, deforestation and destruction of sensitive animal habitats. The diggers are also leaving holes in agricultural lands.%%A special parliamentary committee on January 16 said it plans to begin probing members of President Robert Mugabe's Cabinet suspected of involvement in "shady diamond and gold deals" while the police confirmed they were investigating several top officials they suspect of illegally dealing in precious minerals.