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Stryker arms and ammunition

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Stryker arms and ammunition

Stryker arms and ammunition is Zimbabwe’s premium weapons dealership. Our main focus has always been on import and distribution to sub-dealers in and around Zimbabwe. However, with the surge in violent and armed crime around the country, we have set up different offerings for different industries. As all our products and platforms are industry-specific, we provide tailored solutions specific to each of our client’s needs and requirements. We pride ourselves on offering the highest quality of service to every client and tailored solutions to fit their budget, whilst maintaining the strictest confidentiality and guaranteed client satisfaction in all that we do.

Industries we serve:

  • Security Services
  • Mining Industry
  • Anti-poaching and Conservation
  • VIP protection services
  • Banks & Bureaus
  • Home defence
  • Competition shooting
  • Hunting

Mining Industry

Zimbabwe has some of the greatest mineral deposits in the world. Many mining ventures are often underfunded or poorly managed when it comes to the security procedures of the mine, thus we have found many mines are losing revenue through internal theft as well as external security threats. Often mines are located in remote areas with little or no access to adequate security services or police infrastructure. Mines tend to be prone to unwanted trespassing and often internal security is undertrained and does not have access to adequate resources.

With the surge in organised crime, we have found that security companies and internal security operating within the mining sector are ill-equipped and inadequately trained. The threats we are facing in today society has never been seen before in Zimbabwe at this level of intensity and armed gangs are reportedly at an all-time high. Mining is not a one size fits all solution therefore we tailor security procedures and systems according to clients budgets. We provide all clients with a risk assessment and solutions to allow them to scale up security in stages in line with the growth of the mine.

The operation and security of a mine requires an often ever-evolving approach to maintain standards, adapt to changes, avoid predictability and keep pace with technological advancements. Numerous factors expose a mine to significant risks.

The remoteness of the mine’s location

Limited local infrastructure and geopolitical instability increase the susceptibility to malicious attacks. These risks are magnified by the scale of an operation. Any security breach has the potential to endanger staff, damage the local environment and disrupt production.

While the provision of security involves carefully designed systems, processes and technology. It is primarily about people. An experienced well-trained security team can assist in the maintenance of a safety culture, can reduce shrinkage and expenditure due to theft by ensuring only authorised personnel can enter a site. Any successful security plan for a mining environment must incorporate a comprehensive site-security training program.

A training program must be tailored to the unique and specific threats and vulnerabilities faced by each location. A one-size-fits-all approach (as used by most security companies) may leave certain areas of a site or security system vulnerable to exploitation by staff, armed gangs and syndicates.

Through our broad-based products and service offering, we offer the following solutions to the risks and threats that mines face daily often leaving them vulnerable:

 

  1. SITE INSPECTION (RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT)

The first step is to identify all risk factors of the respective location, to assess potential threats that May impact personnel Security and assets. After assessments are made and a RISK REPORT provided where recommendations are made to the following:

  1. THE SITE
  2. PHYSICAL INSTALLATIONS

iii. OPERATIONAL SECURITY

  1. STAFF
  2. SURROUNDING AREAS

 

  1. TRAINING

 

The effective security of a site requires that security employees receive the required and adequate training to conduct their duties. As the demand for a security employee increases by the inclusion of weapons or transit of valuable goods, the training demand increases. The following are a series of courses to be conducted for security personnel:

  1. RULES AND REGULATIONS
  2. SECURITY PROCEDURES
  3. PATROL TECHNIQUES
  4. TIMINGS AND HANDOVERS
  5. USE OF CANINES
  6. SIGNING IN AND OUT
  7. ACCESS CONTROL
  8. WEAPONS HANDLING
  9. FIRST AID
  10. DETAINING INDIVIDUALS
  11. SEARCHES
  12. SCENE OF CRIME

 

  1. WEAPONS TRAINING

The weapons training courses are tailor-made depending on what weapons platforms we provide the mine. As technology has increased we are at the forefront of providing the most unto date weapons systems for every specific threat or scenario likely to be experienced by a mine or related business. The following subjects (but not limited to) will be conducted on the weapons training course:

  1. WEAPON HANDLING
  2. WEAPON HANDLING TEST
  3. RANGE WORK
  4. CONTACT DRILLS
  5. BREAK CONTACT DRILLS
  6. VEHICLE CONTACT DRILLS
  7. FIRST AID
  8. DRIVING TECHNIQUES
  9. SCENARIO-BASED EXERCISES

  10. INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC PRODUCT SOLUTIONS

The following products are provided and work well within the mining industry to help security personnel thwart any attempt by armed gangs as well as petty criminals:

  1. Scalable Surveillance systems
  2. Anti-cut fencing solutions
  3. Area-specific access control
  4. Panic rooms
  5. Specialised weapon systems
  6. Lethal and non-lethal ammunition
  7. Ballistic security vests
  8. Ballistic vehicle products
  9. Thermal drones with geofencing technology

Weapons options:

  1. Semi automatic rifles

The semi-automatic rifle also known as a modern sporting rifle is often used when engaging in close threats as well as multiple threats. Unlike the traditional bolt action rifle which is predominantly used for hunting, the modern sporting rifle is more accurate than pistols and revolvers. Personnel have the ability to engage multiple threats without having to continuously load the rifle, unlike the bolt action rifle security companies currently use. The ability to change magazines quickly and engage threats at short to medium distances makes this weapon platform one of the most advanced and user-friendly systems on the market perfect for mines, cash in transit and bullion in transit teams because of its compact nature.

  1. Shotguns

We provide various shotgun options for close threats where security personnel may need to engage a threat with non-lethal or lethal ammunition with a distance of up to 22-27m. Whilst shotguns have been the weapon of choice on most mining installations they have limitations with their roles as well as ammunition quality. Most shotguns are limited to 7 rounds with a longer reloading time, exposing personnel to higher risk.

  1. Pistols

We provide an array of pistols to every category of client from micro pistols which takes 6 rounds to full-size pistols which take up to 18 rounds. Depending on the client’s specific needs we can provide a solution that will suit their requirements.

WHERE WE ARE

Stryker arms & ammunition operates out of Harare and our focus is on the discretion and privacy of ourselves and our clients. We work on an appointment basis and do not take any walk-in clients. Should you need any of our above-mentioned services or products, please get in touch with us on: +263 772 406 786

 

Nine investors vie for Zisco revival tender

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Nine investors vie for Zisco revival tender

THE Government is in the process of identifying a successful investor out of a potential of nine to resuscitate the Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company (Zisco), Industry and Commerce Minister, Dr Sekai Nzenza, has said.

Zisco ceased operations at the height of hyper inflation in 2008, and since then, efforts to revive the company have suffered false starts. Giving a keynote address during the virtual Women’s Business Leadership Roundtable (2021) on Friday, Dr Nzenza said Government was determined to ensure the defunct steel giant was revived this year.

“Government is working tirelessly to revive Ziscosteel and already there are nine potential investors. An adjudication process has commenced and will result in the short-listing of the potential investors.

“The successful candidate will then carry out due diligence on Ziscosteel and its subsidiaries and will lead to the implementation of the project,” she said.

Dr Nzenza said Government was formulating and implementing policies and strategies for industrial and commercial growth, with her Ministry facilitating and promoting the development of sustainable, innovative, inclusive and globally competitive industrial and
commercial enterprises. She urged women in business to be innovative and make use of modern technologies to push forward industrialisation.

“Women in business are urged to be innovative and make use of modern technologies to push forward industrialisation. Technological advancement and innovation are key to improving productivity and competitiveness of locally manufactured products. Government
is keen to deliberate policies to strengthen science, technology transfer and innovation systems through collaboration between Government, development partners, firms, learning and research institutions.”

Dr Nzenza said to ensure that Zimbabwe produces competitive goods and services, Government was offering incentives to stimulate innovation to support promising technological or scientific fields. She said the Government through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of Zimbabwe was making strides in assisting companies
with funding for viable projects.

“Public-private research institutes are not an exception to be receiving support from the Government including the Scientific and Industrial Research Development Centre (SIRDC) to push forward the creation of a strong knowledge base and establish a strong research and innovation network.”

Dr Nzenza said the Government is calling on the women to get into the habit of networking and attending business chambers so as not miss out on trends. She said the virtual conference was very symbolic to some of the key objectives of her Ministry, where they
viewed industry and commerce as an equal playing field, with no gender restrictions and no lesser being in business.

 

The Sunday News

Government reclaims 220 mining claims in Mat South

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Government reclaims 220 mining claims in Mat South

THE Government has forfeited about 220 small-scale mining claims in Matabeleland South Province over non-payment of inspection fees.

In a circular seen by Sunday Business, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development noted that owners of the claims have up until 25 August to revoke the forfeiture or risk losing their claims. The Ministry recently increased inspection fees which are paid annually from $2 000 to $25 500 for an ordinary block which is about 10 hectares.

“The following mining locations have on the day Wednesday the 4th of August 2021 been forfeited in terms of Section 260 and 271 of the Mines and Minerals Act (Chapter 21:05) and shall subject to the provisions of Section 272 of the said Act be open for relocation on
Thursday the 9th of September 2021 unless revoked on or before Wednesday the 25th of August 2021,” read the circular accompanying the names of the claims that have been forfeited.

In an interview, Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Matabeleland South Provincial mining director Mr Khumbulani Mlangeni said the claim holders had to visit their offices to clear the arrears or make a payment plan within 21 days from the time the forfeiture notice was issued.

He said those who failed will lose their rights to their claims. “We have issued a notice of forfeiture to claim holders that haven’t paid inspection fees.

“We have put up this notice on notice boards according to the set procedure.

“The claim holders have 21 days to revoke this decision by clearing their arrears, making a payment plan or paying what we call a protection fee. Those who fail to do any of the above would have rendered their claims liable for forfeiture. After 35 days from the time of issuing this notice they would have lost their rights to the claims and they will be disposed meaning
they will be allocated to other people,” he said.

According to the Mines and Minerals Act, the Government is empowered to dispose of forfeited claims. Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Matabeleland South provincial chairman Mr Philemon Mokuele encouraged claim owners to engage the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development offices in order to resolve the matter.

“The Ministry of Mines has listed mines for forfeiture. If your mine is on this list just visit the offices as soon as possible otherwise you might lose your mine,” he said.

Miners have complained that the inspections fees were beyond their reach which made it difficult for them to clear their arrears.

 

The Sunday News

Miner gets 66 workers vaccinated against Covid-19

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Miner gets 66 workers vaccinated against Covid-19

Small-scale miner and Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Matabeleland South Chairperson Philimon Mokuele in an endeavour to fight the Covid-19 pandemic has had workers vaccinated with more preparing to receive the Covid-19 jab.

Anerudo Mapuranga

Leading by example, the Mat South Chairperson said 66 workers have already been vaccinated with 40 ready to receive the jab.

Mokuele also employed a health practitioner to manage World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Health and Child Care Covid-19 guidelines at his mine to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“I got 40 workers ready for the jab and 66 workers have already been vaccinated.

“As a leader in mat south province I personally to health Inspectors to test all the workers at my mine, fumigated all the offices, workers compound and stopped movement of all workers from the mine for two weeks, employed a nurse on part time basis to do sensitization daily at the mine, already preparing to invite vaccination team at the mine.” he said.

Mokuele was this year listed in our top ten exemplary small-scale miners of 2020.

Mokuele joins Henrietta Rushwaya to become the second high ranking ZMF official to publicly participate and encourage participation in the vaccination program.

Rushwaya earlier this year said it was of importance for miners to embrace the government vaccination program to prevent infections from Covid-19 third wave.

“Please kindly go to your nearest Health Centre and get vaccinated. Covid-19 is real and let us go and get inoculated. As Miners, we need to embrace this free gesture extended to us by our government,” Rushwaya said.

Rushwaya received her first jab of Sinopharm’s Covid-19 vaccination at Borrowdale clinic and has continuously encouraged Artisanal and Small-scale Miners to bulletproof against the novel coronavirus.

About Covid-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

How Covid-19 Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air and quickly fall on floors or surfaces.

You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth. COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Most common symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Tiredness

Less common symptoms:

  • Aches and pains
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhoea
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Headache
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • A rash on the skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes

Sibanye-Stillwater to acquire Eramet’s nickel processing facilities in France

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Sibanye-Stillwater to acquire Eramet’s nickel processing facilities in France

Sibanye-Stillwater (JSE: SSW and NYSE: SBSW) announced that it has entered into an exclusive put option agreement with French mining group Eramet SA for the acquisition of 100% of the Sandouville nickel hydrometallurgical processing facility, located in Normandy, France for €65million ($77m) cash.

Mining

The transaction is expected to conclude by year-end, subject to the approval of the South African Reserve Bank and other regulatory approvals, Sibanye said in a news release.

The Sandouville facility is situated in the industrial heart of Europe at Le Havre, France’s second-largest industrial port, with strategic access to infrastructure including shipping, rail and key motorways, supporting any future supply into the European end user markets.

THE SANDOUVILLE FACILITY IS SITUATED IN THE INDUSTRIAL HEART OF EUROPE AT LE HAVRE, FRANCE’S SECOND-LARGEST INDUSTRIAL PORT

The current Sandouville facilities include a hydrometallurgical nickel refinery with a production capacity of 12,000 tonnes per annum of high-purity nickel metal, 4,000 tonnes per annum of high-purity nickel salts and solutions and around 600 tonnes per annum of cobalt chloride.

The transaction is the second step in Sibanye-Stillwater’s battery metals strategy, building on the investment in the Keliber lithium hydroxide project, in partnership with the State of Finland and the Finnish Minerals Group, announced in February 2021.

The Sandouville site is a polyvalent facility which is already zoned for heavy industrial purposes. The site s scaleable for nickel, cobalt and lithium battery-grade products, and will enable Sibanye-Stillwater to further advance its battery metals strategy and recycling activities.

The acquisition is seen as a low-risk entry into the nickel beneficiation business and the initial focus will be on ramping up throughput as per the existing Eramet plans. As part of the due diligence Sibanye-Stillwater has completed a scoping study to in parallel with current production further upgrade the Sandouville facilities to target specific nickel battery metal products.

“We are delighted to progress with this second step in our battery metals strategy, which is an important step in getting further downstream exposure to the battery metals value chain,” Neal Froneman, Sibanye-Stillwater said in the statement.

The Sandouville facility is ideally located close to the European end-user markets and well supported by significant logistical infrastructure, which will allow us to leverage our existing Platinum Group Metals relationships.,” Froneman said.

“We look forward to working with Eramet and the French authorities to build a leading battery metals platform in Europe.”

Diamond sales at Debswana rebound as global market recovers

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Diamond sales at Debswana rebound as global market recovers

De Beers’ Botswana unit saw sales of rough diamonds rebound by 41% in the first half of 2021, driven by the reopening of key markets the United States and China, data from the Bank of Botswana showed on Thursday.

Debswana Diamond Company, a joint venture between the Botswana government and Anglo American’s De Beers, sells 75% of its output to De Beers with the balance taken up by state-owned Okavango Diamond Company.
Debswana’s sales fell by 30% in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic hit demand while global travel restrictions impacted trading.

In a bid to curb the spread of the virus, Botswana closed its borders for eight months last year, locking out international buyers from centres such as Mumbai, Antwerp and China who traditionally travel to the capital Gaborone 10 times a year to view and buy diamonds from De Beers.

According to data published by the central bank, exports of diamonds from Debswana stood at $1.702 billion in the first half of the year compared to $1.209 billion in the same period last year.

Paul Rowley, De Beers’ executive vice president, diamond trading, told a media briefing last week that the recovery was strong in the first half of 2021 with global consumer demand benefiting from vaccine roll-outs and fiscal stimulus in the United States.

“The long-term outlook for diamond jewellery demand remains positive, while the lack of new diamond projects means supply is likely to be flat or declining for the foreseeable future,” he said at last week’s briefing.

Botswana gets about 30% of its revenues and 70% of its foreign exchange earnings from diamonds and the Southern African country sees its economy growing 8.8% in 2021 after having contracted by 7.9% in 2020.

 

(By Brian Benza; Editing by Susan Fenton)

ZERA increases fuel price

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ZERA increases fuel price

THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has increased the price of both diesel and petrol by between two and four percent in both local and foreign currency.

The review, which is effective from yesterday, follows adjustments made in June when Zera cited a general rise in fuel prices on the international market early this year.

According to a statement from the regulatory body, the new prices of diesel are now $114,29 per litre or US1,33 while petrol is now pegged at $117,07 per litre or US$1,37 per litre.

In June, the pump price of diesel was pegged at $110,54 per litre or US$1,30 while petrol was pegged at $112,55 per litre or US$1,33.

“Fuel operators may, however, sell at prices below the cap depending on their trading advantages.

“Stakeholders are advised that the petroleum price releases by Zera can be verified on the official Zera website, Facebook or Twitter handle,” it said.

Since January this year, there have been increases in the Free on Board (FOB) prices for petrol and diesel and this has a knock-on effect on the pump price of fuel.

Prospect identifies rare earth elements deposits

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Prospect identifies rare earth elements deposits

AUSTRALIA-LISTED mining concern, Prospect Resources, says it has identified significantsized rare earth elements (REE) anomalies at its Chishanya Carbonatite project in Buhera District, Manicaland.

REE refers to a group of 17 chemically similar elements, including the 15 elements in the Lanthanide series, and also scandium and yttrium because of their similar properties.

These do not occur naturally as metallic elements but occur in a wide range of minerals, including halides, carbonates, oxides, phosphates and silicates, experts say.

In 2018, the mining group announced that it was preparing to commence exploration at its Carbonatite project with a focus on determining REE potential of the site.

In an update this week, mining Prospect announced that it has identified the REE at Chishanya.

“Prospect Resources has identified two significant sized REE anomalies at its Chishanya Carbonatite project in south-eastern Zimbabwe.

“The deposit was a known source of apatite hosted phosphate but was previously untested for REE; two distinct total rare earth (TREE) anomalies (TREO) have been identified at Chishanya Hill and Baradanga ridge, covering 0,2 and 0,1 square kilometres respectively,” said the company.

Last month, Prospect, which owns the Arcadia Lithium operation in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East province, commenced production under a pilot plant project.

Prospect managing director Mr Sam Hosack was quoted saying: “We are excited by the soil sampling results as an initial indication of Chishanya’s potential to be a REE project.

“Based on these results, we have exercised the option on the adjoining ground to bulk up the project with a view to undertake further exploration and evaluation.”

He said while their core focus was on the development of the Arcadia Lithium project flagship, Chishanya offers a niche opportunity to evaluate the REE potential of the ground and to also assess other targets in the region that have never been explored for REE on such
basis before.

Prospect said results of moderate tenor from two well defined anomalies, in an area of limited surface outcrop, likely indicate the presence of sub-surface mineralisation and significant extra potential at depth.

It said Chishanya exhibits no signs of supergene concentration within a laterite that is often caused by tropical weathering.

“The considerable lithological variation seen at Chishanya is typical of carbonatites, and this leaves considerable scope for concentration of REEs at differing levels within the project.

“In short there is considerable potential for concentration on various REE combinations, which have no current surface expression,” it said.

The project, though undoubtedly primarily prospective for REE, also still has phosphate potential, said Prospect.

“Despite the metallurgical test work by African Consolidated Resources (now named Vast Resources plc) indicating the difficulty in extracting the phosphate economically, this test work was limited in scope and the grades do compare favourably with the Dorowa mine, located 100 kilometres to the north,” it said. 

 

 

The Chronicle

Bubi to construct modern gold recovery plant

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Bubi to construct modern gold recovery plant

BUBI Milling Centre (Private) Limited plans to construct a Carbon-In-Pulp plant in Matabeleland North under a Build-Operate-Transfer arrangement.

The milling centre is one of the numerous gold service centres earmarked for capacitating artisanal and small-scale miners to realise optimum returns from their ore.

Bubi Milling Centre, a joint venture between Bubi Small-Scale Miners’ Association and the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) was commissioned by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga in July 2018.

According to a joint request of expression of interest, the Zimbabwe Development Agency (Zida) and the Bubi Milling Centre have invited proposals from reputable and established companies to supply, install, construct and commission a CIP plant at the gold service Centre.

A CIP plant is an extraction technique for recovery of gold, which has been liberated into a cyanide solution as part of the gold cyanidation process.

“Proposals are invited from reputable, reliable, established companies for the construction of a CIP gold processing plant under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangement with Bubi Milling Centre,” reads the notice.

“Interested bidders are required to obtain detailed expression of interest documents from the Bubi Milling Centre offices (44km along Bulawayo-Nkayi Road).”

In a post-Cabinet media briefing this Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said establishing more gold centres was being targeted as a strategy towards achievement of a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023.

In this context, she said, Cabinet has approved proposals for the establishment of over 20 gold centres across the country by mid next year.

“Gold centres are expected to provide basic equipment such as compressors and jack hammers as well as working capital to facilitate optimal production by small-scale miners who supply gold ore,” she said.

“The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe shall maintain presence, directly or through approved buying agencies, at all gold centres so as to buy all the gold produced. The gold centres will also provide technical services to miners who supply the ore.

“Cabinet approved proposals for the establishment of over 20 gold centres by mid-2022.

“Accordingly, memoranda of understanding will be signed with four investors who have been identified for the purpose of setting up the gold centres.

“The investors will own 100 percent equity in the centres, while those who operate joint ventures with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development will fully fund the operations of the centres in return for a 90 percent equity stake.”

Minister Mutsvangwa said Cabinet, therefore, approved that the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development signs memoranda of understanding with investors intending to locate, establish, fund and run gold centres already provided for in the Mines and Minerals Act.

“Some of the gold centres are expected to be established in Makaha, Odzi, Mount Darwin, Shamva, Mazowe and Silobela,” she said. 

 

 

 

The Chronicle

Midlands Ministry of Mines official under fire

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Midlands Ministry of Mines official under fire

Midlands Mines Cadastre Officer Pikirai Macheza in his quest of trying to create an accurate and verified database has come under fire from Prospectors and small-scale miners who are accusing him of trying to arm-twist prospectors, threatening not to accept their work, which is against the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act.

Anerudo Mapuranga

Macheza is being accused of undermining peggers through his claims that peggers are not qualified to carry out the verification process, therefore, should exercise their work with the blessings of a surveyor.

Macheza is alleged to be a land surveyor by profession and he is accused of trying to create opportunities for people in his profession.

Peggers groups were on fire with members rebuking Macheza.

One said, “This is ridiculous for sure. It’s going to make us busybodies for nothing. Gweru must adopt what is happening in other provinces without trying to be too flamboyant. All those who pegged in the Gweru mining district with the help of the association must fight this modus operandi tooth and nail.”

Another said, “Anenge ave neimwe mines and minerals act yake yekumba kwake.” (he seems to have his own personal mines and minerals act).

While another castigated the move saying,”The Ministry has gone to the dogs. Isu during our time we used to have MC’s conference every year that’s why u(you) used to c (see) kuti zvaiitwa kuKadoma was the same nezvaiitwa kuByo we had standard operating procedures”

Macheza in a widely shared audio said peggers although written to, to carry out the exercise there were not qualified.

“The point is peggers are not qualified to do the written exercise although we wrote to them that they carry out the process, they are not qualified.”

“We don’t want to create disputes,” he said.

According to Hyde Chatyoka, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando is supposed to look into the matters raised by Macheza and correct them because the Midlands cadastre officer was misapplying the law.

“This idea of inviting miners and their peggers will create more needless disputes which will spill into the courts and the courts will re-affirm and force the Act to be applied. Your office, Honourable Minister, must seek legal advice in trying to apply the Act and issue instructions to miners in accordance with the Act and not in accordance with their titles no matter the excitement of office and honour of office.

“I repeat, the only constant office and host sanctioned by the Act is that of a miner whose mine title is current. All other officials are the miner’s guests for a certain term and once that term is over, the miner will cease to host whichever official and welcome the new official. So as far as is practically possible, our guests must not seek to scuttle the order by conflicting with the Act. We, therefore, pray for our guests to behave and act mannerly as guests and never imitate to be hosts. Our hope is to host many subsequent guests and we wish we will not be forced to pray for the abolition of any office.

“The Act is very clear and has been supported and buttressed by court judgements for over sixty years. It says in a mining rights dispute, the rights are given to the prior miner. In this case, the correct procedure to follow which cannot be overturned in court on transferring mine titles from monologue to digital is to follow the ‘Mines Register’ in office and confirm, transfer and convert mine titles in accordance with the dictates of the register. The only diversion which is legally acceptable in this exercise is to skip forfeited mines,” he said.

In his effort to create a cadastre system that is accurate, verified and dispute free, Macheza proposed the following instrument to prospectors in the Province.

Methodology in the implementation of claims beacon coordinates collection program.

Surveyors & peggers

Aim for the exercise

  1. To accurately collect coordinate data for database creation from all ground verified registered claims.
  2. It is very possible that due to human error some mine locations might be based on uncaptured coordinates, pointing that, documented coordinates in the office of ministry (MMMD) are supposed to be compared to what is on the ground before we adopt such beacon coordinates into the Cadastre Database.
  3. There is quite a number of disputes and for all the districts of Midlands Province that need to be settled by resolving the boundary issue. This exercise will give an opportunity to neighbouring personnel to witness each other’s beacons location thereby resolving disputes.
  4. Clients may deliberately choose to shift beacons to undocumented positions hence this exercise would bring an added advantage of checking beacons like what the Mines and Minerals Act demands that beacons are supposed to be inspected regularly by MMMD officials.

Method.

  1. A team to approach a miner for this exercise should be comprising a surveyor and pegger. The team members should share the duties and do due diligence if contracted to bring the coordinates to ministry offices. It is the responsibility of a surveyor to guide the execution of the methodology applied.
  2. The team should ask for verified coordinates from a miner.
  3. The team should then check the coordinates of existing beacons.
  4. If there are no beacons the team liaise with the miner to reintroduce the beacons.
  5. Then the team is supposed to write at most a two-page report with the structure to be given. The report should articulate the state of beacons such that the mining claim can be visited by Mine Survey officers to verify the reconstruction of the beacon.
  6. The report has to be signed by the client, surveyor and pegger.
  7. The report should be printed in 2 hard copies where one copy is given to the miner/client. The second copy is supposed to go for filing by the surveying team (pegger & surveyor) in their own office. The cadastre office would therefore receive the scanned report together, with an excel coordinates list via an email.
  8. The excel list should only capture ground verified coordinates (the ones in the official docket of the mine). The report captures the observed coordinates of beacons on the ground.
  9. When a miner is coming to the office for inspection, we shall then compare his/her report with the one in our email then we ascertain that the exercise was surely done.
  10. If the area is heavily congested with mine claims, if possible, always call the neighbours to witness the exercise, this will ensure that every potential dispute is ironed out or is given a chance to surface then resolved through such a report (because Mine Survey Section take from there).

Expected results of the exercise

  1. Creation of an accurate and verified database.
  2. Dispute free database and digital master block plan can be accurately plotted.
  3. Then master block plan would be then plotted on a national standard approved topographical map
  4. The issuance of services in digital format can be easily adopted
  5. All the behaviour of deliberately shifting the beacons can be resolved
  6. The state enforcement on disputes would be easily managed hence more revenue

When contacted for comment Macheza said he isn’t allowed to speak to the Media. Mines Ministry officials were not available for comment at the time of publishing.

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