861 hectares in Mt Darwin reserved against prospecting and pegging
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has officially reserved a significant area in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central, from any prospecting and pegging activities, according to General Notice 1342 of 2024, published under the authority of the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05].
By Rudairo Mapuranga
In a move set to affect potential mining operations in the region, the Ministry, through Secretary Pfungwa Kunaka, has announced that the area designated as Mashonaland Central Provincial Mining District RA MSC004 will be reserved with immediate effect.
The reservation comes in accordance with Section 35(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05], which allows the Ministry to set aside land against mining activities for various reasons, including environmental protection, preservation of heritage sites, or other considerations deemed necessary by the government.
The reserved area, referred to as the Tongogara Reservation MSC004, covers approximately 861 hectares in the Mt Darwin region of Mashonaland Central. The specific boundaries of this reserved area are meticulously described in the official schedule, ensuring clarity for all stakeholders. The area is bounded by a series of coordinates, starting from Point A, approximately 0.2 km northwest of Trig. Beacon 24/P, and extends over several kilometers, creating a clearly defined zone where mining activities are prohibited.
The detailed boundary description is as follows:
- Point A: The starting point is approximately 0.2 km northwest of Trig. Beacon 24/P, with grid reference 351975.78E: 8136156.59N.
- Point B: From Point A, the boundary extends for 3.88 km on a bearing of approximately 045 degrees to Point B (grid reference 354199.93E: 8139335.94N).
- Point C: The boundary then proceeds due east on a true bearing of 90 degrees for a distance of approximately 0.2 km to Point C (grid reference 354401.35E: 8139336.22N).
- Point D: From Point C, the line extends for 4.5 km on a bearing of approximately 135 degrees to Point D (grid reference 357120.07E: 8136073.86N).
- Return to Point A: Finally, the boundary returns to the starting point on a true bearing of 272 degrees for a distance of 5.25 km.
This reservation is expected to have significant implications for mining companies and individuals who may have been considering prospecting or pegging in the region. The reserved status of this land means that no new mining claims can be established within the defined boundaries, and any existing claims may be subject to review depending on their status under the law.
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has not provided specific reasons for the reservation of this area at this time. However, such reservations are typically enacted to protect certain regions from the environmental impact of mining, to safeguard areas of cultural or historical significance, or to reserve land for future state-directed mineral exploration activities.
Stakeholders in the mining sector and interested parties in Mashonaland Central are advised to take note of this development and adjust their plans accordingly. Any inquiries or clarifications regarding this reservation should be directed to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.