Impending mine audit raises tension

TENSION is rising at Dalny Mine in Chakari after RioZim, which recently took over the mine, announced plans to carry out an audit of tenants occupying houses.

According to a notice issued at the mine on Monday this week and signed by mine management, there will also be an assessment of the general cleanliness of the houses.

According to the notice “mine officials shall visit various households checking on the general cleanliness of houses, yards and gardens.”

“The team shall also need to establish the tenants dwelling at each and every house.”

Management further indicated that the exercise was in the interest of the residents to ensure that the houses are clean and tidy.

However, there are fears that the exercise is aimed at flushing out occupants who are not employed by the mine.

At least 1 000 mine houses are reportedly being occupied by people who do not work for the mine, but management has indicated that the process would be handled professionally, legally and with sensitivity to individual circumstances of the affected parties.

According to RioZim spokesperson Mr Wilson Gwatiringa the diversified miner acquired Palatial Gold Investments, which houses the Dalny Mine in Chakari through what was essentially an asset purchase agreement.

“The transaction entailed purchase of all of Palatial Gold Investments’ assets including plant, 1 456 houses, amenities and mineral rights (claims),” he said.

This, Mr Gwatiringa said, excluded former employees of the gold mine.

“The transaction also did not include the assumption of Falcon God’s obligations to its former employees,” he said.