Chiefs back Govt over idle mine claims

TRADITIONAL leaders in Masvingo have hailed Government over its plans to repossess and operationalise all mining claims that have been lying idle for decades across the province.

Government has announced that repossession of the unexploited mining claims would start in the next three months amid reports they were being held for speculative purposes.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development said those with idle mining claims should immediately exploit them or risk losing them.

Chief Chitanga (Mr Felen Chauke), who is Masvingo provincial chair for the chiefs’ assembly, on Tuesday said the plan was commendable.

He said Masvingo province was endowed with vast mineral resources which were not being utilised.

Chief Chitanga indicated that it was economically illogical for companies and individuals to sit on idle vast mining claims.

“As traditional leaders, we support the Government development in its proposed repossession of idle mines,” he said. “The operationalisation of idle mines is in tandem with the recently launched Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP).

“The proposed repossession of derelict mines from some companies and individuals is not a political gimmick. It’s an effort to revive the national economy.”

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development said some firms and individuals had failed to develop their mining claims from as far back as the 1970s.

Chief Chiwara (Mr Rueben Marinda) of Gutu said traditional leaders were disturbed by reports that some companies and individuals were in the habit of simply renewing their mining concessions every year without doing any work on them.