AAG to take unruly Chinese miners to task
Affirmative Action Group (AAG) Mashonaland West Province executive is coming up with a task force to take unruly Chinese Miners in the region to order, the group provincial Chairperson Mr Tapiwa Chikondowa has said.
Anerudo Mapuranga and Vongai Mbara
Speaking at the AAG Mashonaland West Province official launch held in Chinhoyi yesterday, Chikondowa said his executive is engaging the Mining Provincial Director Ms Mupindiwe in order to address unruly Chinese Miners for the latter to desist from their notorious habits.
He said Chinese who are mining chrome in Mutorashanga are ill-treating their workers and the community.
“In Mutorashanga, Chinese Miners who are mining chrome are ill-treating workers and community. We need investors who come with money, not investors to borrow. In Chikuti, the Chinese are doing stream bank mining. We tasked the Director of Mines to call all the unruly Chinese in Mashonaland West province, we need to hold them to account for whatever they are doing,” he said.
The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) which recently signed a US$20 million mining equipment deal with a Chinese firm, Lovol International Construction Machinery Group, also called youths and women to come forward and obtain mining equipment to increase mineral production.
Speaking at the launch of the AAG Mashonaland West Chapter in Chinhoyi yesterday, AAG president Mr Mike Chimombe encouraged women and youth to actively take part in the mining industry.
“Youths should play a pivotal role in rebuilding the country’s economy under the Second Republic. The President is on record saying no one will be left behind; so, this is an opportunity for youths to take part in the mining and agriculture sectors.
“We are calling on our youths to get into joint ventures and secure mining and farming equipment from us. Come to AAG and secure mining equipment so that you increase your production capacity,” he said.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mashonaland West Honourable Mary Mliswa-Chikoka who was also in attendance added that the inclusion of artisanal miners is vital in the mainstream economy.
“It is key for organisations such as the AAG to be seen taking an active role in mobilising for the lawful, transparent and meaningful entry of our people into the mainstream economy especially magweja as your theme suggest, Protecting the artisanal miners,” she said.
In addition, AAG has partnered with Munyukwa Chibanda Mining Syndicate with a view to empower youths in Mashonaland East by giving them a mining claim in Domboshava.