Govt to review state of mines

GOVERNMENT says it will review the state of mines in the country including Zimasco and Muriel in Mashonaland West province to see if they can be revived in line with the current development thrust, which has seen other companies re-opening across the country.

Zimasco and Muriel mines in Mutorashanga have not been fully functional with thousands of former employees languishing in poverty while some are being asked to vacate company houses.

Addressing a Zanu-PF rally at Mafuta Farm in Raffingora early this week, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said mining companies should stop throwing former workers on to the streets.

“Zimasco ndanzwa kuti yange yobvisa vashandi vepo ichiti mugodhi wakavhara saka chibudai, basa rapera. Aiwa vanogara ipapo, hapana kwavanoenda kusvikira taona kuti uyu mugodhi wakavharwa here zviri pamutemo.

“Can the mine not be revived and also if people are to be moved they cannot just be thrown out without alternative housing.”

VP Chiwenga said all legal processes should be followed before the mine can be said to be officially closed.

The situation was also the same at Muriel Gold Mine, where some workers were being asked to move out of company houses on grounds that the company had closed.

President Mnangagwa recently said large gold mines would soon overtake artisanal miners who are contributing more than 50 percent of the country’s gold output.

This, said the President was underpinned by private investment in the sector following opening up of the country to investors.

Already, Eureka Gold Mine in Guruve, Sabi mine and Shabanie-Mashava Mine are at various stages of reopening.

The Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) is set to reopen Jena Gold Mine in the Midlands Province and Evington Gold Mine near Chegutu.

At least 151 investors have shown interest in the mines. Government intends to increase gold deliveries from last year’s 24 tonnes to about 100 tonnes.