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ZMF series, the court case that never ends

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ZMF series, the court case that never ends

 

Zimbabwe Miners Federation executive has won yet another Supreme Court appeal to cement their role at the helm of the organization at least for now.

Rudairo Dickson Mapuranga

On the 26th of March this year, Ms Henrietta Rushwaya through a High court ruling declared by High Court judge Justice  Nokuthula Moyo lost the presidency of the association after the judge declared that the results and proceedings of the elections which brought her to the helm of the small-scale miners’ body  are unenforceable.

Rushwaya, then immediately appealed to the Supreme Court against the High Court order which stripped her of the presidential post of the miner’s body .Rushwaya had initially lost the High Court ruling because the Zvishavane Mberengwa Miners Association who challenged her position as the president of the body had sited that, High Court judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi had granted a provisional order suspending the holding of elections on June 14 2018 but the federation went ahead with the elections which were won by Rushwaya.

After Rushwaya had appealed against the High Court ruling which stripped her of the presidency, Zvishavane Mberengwa Miners Association on April 16 2019, urgently appealed against the petition and Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Martin Makonese dismissed the miners association’s urgent appeal as not urgent at all.

On 25 June, the Supreme Court then dismissed  Rushwaya’s appeal on sitting irregularities which meant that Rushwaya lost her presidency again.

She then quickly applied for reinstatement of the case which took some time and the debate of her as the legitimate president was always being thrown around in the miners ‘streets.

Yesterday, Rushwaya finally won the Supreme Court application for the reinstatement of their appeal. Their case is now reinstated and back on the Supreme Court roll and according to the laws of the land, this means that Rushwaya is still the president of the small scale miners body.

The ZMF court series is one of the best entertainment scene in the mining industry which miners cannot afford to miss.

The politics in the association has left many amazed and astonished but the situation remains the same to all the miners around Zimbabwe. ZMF is still in the hands of Rushwaya and she has soldiered on amidst all the turmoil in the smallscale miners body.

Prospect, ACM sign power supply deal

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Prospect, ACM sign power supply deal

AUSTRALIAN-listed mining group, Prospect Resources, has signed a power agreement with African Continental Minerals (ACM) for the supply of up to 20MW of electricity to its Arcadia lithium project, which is undergoing development.

In a statement, Prospect, whose lithium project is located on the outskirts of Harare, said: “In line with Prospect’s focus to develop the Arcadia lithium project, the agreement provides Prospect with power supply optionality for the project while also generating opportunities for additional services/projects, such as ACM’s coal-bed methane gas to power project, to be developed”.

The Memorandum of Understanding by the two companies is non-binding and sets out the key terms for subsequent formal off take agreement as the Arcadia Lithium project is developed. 

Prospect said the MoU’s key terms include an agreed term of five years from the commencement date (to be outlined in a definitive agreement) and minimum supply of 20 megawatts daily power to meet all of Arcadia’s power supply requirements (Arcadia’s peak power requirement is 16MW). Part of the agreement also provides an option for an additional 25MW of supply in the event of further expansion of the facility or downstream processing (Lithium Carbonate or Hydroxide plant).

At present, Premier said ACM holds two Special Grants containing a total 245 000 hectares and is awaiting the final approvals on a third asset. 

“All assets are covered by existing power lines ranging from 11kilovolts to 33kV. Drilling test and production wells will be placed within four to eight kilometres from power distribution lines. ACM possesses the vital technical industry experience to deliver a purpose-built power solution for Prospect,” said Premier.

It said ACM’s parent entity, Jacqueline Resources, has established a team of experienced experts on the ground in Zimbabwe headed by Mr Troy Wilson, a widely recognised coal-bed methane (“CBM”) expert, with over 20 years’ experience across exploration through to production.

“Jacqueline Resources’ team possesses global experience across de-gassings to energy projects in coal mining such as converting CBM gas to power, as well as Coal Seam Gas (“CSG”) projects. 

“Arcadia’s primary source of power supply is from the national electricity grid that is owned and operated by Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company whose main power distribution lines runs adjacent to Arcadia, some 15km away.

“Prospect has secured Arcadia’s required supply at this interconnection.”

The MoU provides Arcadia with optionality for power supply and competitive tension for future supply agreements. In addition to the signing of the MoU, Prospect continues to consider alternative secondary power supply options including purchase of power from the Southern African Power Pool, a power purchase agreement with the existing Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric scheme or even the creation of a solar farm on site to ensure                                                               appropriate power solution with contingencies to support the development and operations of the Arcadia mine. 

The mining group looks forward to supporting additional power projects in the future. Its managing director Mr Sam Hosack was quoted as saying:

“The development of Arcadia creates opportunities for other investment and projects to either directly or indirectly benefit from the Project’s operations. Prospect is creating an ecosystem anchored by the Arcadia Mine. 

“This positive multiplier effect will boost investment in Zimbabwe and deliver a raft of benefits to the economy and the community”_The Chronicle

Venice mine takes part in community empowerment

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Venice mine takes part in community empowerment

It is quite impressing that our mines are associating with the communities in which they operate in as a way of guaranteeing decent living conditions within the communities. Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, Shawn Lavaia who is the safety, health and environment officer of Venice mine highlighted on the projects that they are doing for the community and what the mining company is looking forward to achieving. They are creating job opportunities for the locals, assisting the nearby police stations as well as assisting school children with scholarships.

Mirirai Melissa Ngoya

It is critical for a community to have decent roads, as such Mr Lavaia outlined that Venice mine has engaged in the road maintenance project in order to ensure accessibility as well as safety when travelling.

“the road maintenance from Empress Turn-off to Munyati river has been a successful project for the benefit of the community and the nation at large,” he said

The company has provided a platform for job creation where the locals are being included in the mining operations. Mr Lavaia said, “We draw our manpower labour force from the local community, thus employment creation.”

Considerably, Venice mine has also been active in helping other mines in times of tribulations as highlighted by Mr Lavaia.

“We assisted with fuel, labour and material at Cricket Mine disaster,” he said.

Recently, there has been a lot of criminal cases being reported in the area, hence Venice Mine has partnered with the local police station supporting them in seeing that there is no mineral violation within the area.

Mr Lavaia said “as a mine, we figured out that it is important to offer a helping hand to our community police force since they keep an eye on the mine as well as making sure that there is no mineral violations or any skirmishes within the community. Therefore, we decided to assist Battlefields Zimbabwe Republic Police Station with stationery. We also helped the Police with fuel and transport provisions in emergencies.”

Further, Venice mine highlighted that they are also concerned with good environmental services which the safety, health and environment officer applauded for. He indicated that they are offering mowing services to the local ZRP station as well as in schools around the community.

“We are doing mining operations related to that big Venice mine we used to have, but in real terms, we are still a small and struggling mine which we hope will stand on its feet in the near future. So far we cannot afford to start big projects but we hope that very soon we will reach that level.”

Mr Lavaia also emphasised on the projects which they intend to do in the community. Venice mine noticed that it is a requisite to have operational health care facilities in the area since health is the key factor to consider especially for the locals who reside in places where mining activities take place.

“We are looking forward to the opening of our clinic which will be operational in emergency cases, attending to everyone in the community as well as mine workers.”

“It is important to subsidise Domain Rural council clinic so that it improves its health services”

All in all, apart from producing the yellow mineral which is targeted towards the nation’s economic development, Venice mines is taking strides in developing the community in which it is operating in.

24 Challenges faced by Artisanal, small-medium scale miners in Zimbabwe

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24 Challenges faced by Artisanal, small-medium scale miners in Zimbabwe

The artisanal and small scale mining industry is on an upward trajectory in Zimbabwe and is estimated to be supporting over 1,5 million Zimbabweans. As a fairly new industry, it is faced with a myriad of challenges that can be overcome if proper solutions are put in place.

This article was written by a Small-scale miner highlighting the many challenges faced by small-scale and artisanal miners in Zimbabwe.

1. ELECTRIFICATION OF CLAIM/MINE

We understand the high cost involved in the daily operation of our mines due to the continuous request and purchase of cell batteries and head torches. Also the high cost of operating using a generator or fuel-driven machines. Electrifying mines will increase production and reduce the cost making our minerals competitive on the market, as well as saving the use of firewood. Sometimes as citizens we do have solutions but the wheels of government turn slowly to embrace ideas that can transform an industry like putting all small-scale mines under green energy, and solar energy stations.

2. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

Zimbabwe local miners do have a mammoth task in acquiring machinery and equipment, as a lot of money is required hence the miner will be juggling between daily operations, government fees and charges, family and equipment. Miners are left with no option but to work within their means, resulting in failed targets, goals or below daily production. The end result will be an unsustainable mining operation.

3. MINING FIELD OFFICERS

Just like in agriculture, the growth of a sector or industry is achieved by a collective effort being government and the stakeholders. Artisanal miners would not grow as long as they don’t have government or Mines Ministry personnel to help them with mining and underground challenges they encounter on daily basis. With the background of poverty, lack of proper education and lack of employment most people find their way into mining but without the knowledge of the industry. The end result of this kind of venture is the loss of little saved finances, loss of lives, injuries, use of wrong mining methods, time wasted without production etc.

4. MINES or CLAIM FORTITURES

A lot of claims or mines are being lost to big guys with money regardless of the artisanal who invested their entire earnings on claims or mines. We call upon the government to set up a system whereby Ministries are interlinked or
connected. The need for the interlink is, to ease the renewal, gold or mineral sales, payments or registration, such that the process would be a one-stop-shop. What we propose is for example a gold miner, once he produces his gold and sells it to Fidelity Gold Refiners(FGR) all charges and costs to do with his mine or claim be deducted and forwarded onwards to relevant ministries and authorities. The invoices or receipts the miners get from Fidelity should be the only important documents miners should safeguard as records.

5. EXPLORATION OF CLAIMS/MINING AREAS

For the benefit of our country, the government through the Ministries should carry out exploration such that miners won’t waste resources in speculating. If a model from a country like Tanzania as presented at the ZMF summit on 21-22 March 2018, the government through the mining Association should carry out surveys and explorations for the artisanal and small to medium scale miners before they are given claims. Against this backdrop, a lot of hardworking and productive men and women will work tirelessly for their country to prosper. Let there be a scheme to assist in the exploration, there are machines which can be used like gold and reef detectors but to a small-scale miner, it’s costly hence the need for government to assist and recover its dues on sales.

6. INCLUSION OF CHIEFS

Chiefs should be included in the mines and minerals act as they also play a pivotal role in mining activities. By virtue of being the custodians or guardians of the whole mineral resource areas, nothing or no mining activities happen without their involvement and participation as evident by some requirements of the EIA.

7. FAST DEPLETABLE MINERALS

May these exclusively be reserved for locals or citizens, ie the likes of gemstones and alike minerals. If diamonds are reserved only for the government then, why not reserve the rest that the government doesn’t want for locals than to say it’s free for all foreigners and locals? The government must let foreigners be buyers and locals be producers or miners.

8. LICENCING OF GEMSTONE DEALERS OR AGENTS

The current position is that the government has no clear position on the gemstone trade only to say MMCZ is the sole marketing arm of the government. Having MMCZ as the sole arm of government a lot of trade opportunities are being lost, as already the department is overwhelmed with other minerals like chrome etc hence the need to
bring in local Zimbabwean players to facilitate the trade. As the gemstone dealers or agents are licensed, they will be able to issue legal documents or invoices which can be presented at points of exiting the country like airports and borders when a buyer intends to travel out of the country with the gemstones. The legal documents will indicate that the buyer had paid the full price inclusive of taxes and royalties to X agent or dealer whose document will be computed for cross-reference by the revenue collector.

9. ZIMRA’S DUTY ON MINING EQUIPMENT AND MACHINES

May our parliamentarians change the ZIMRA law or regulations and incorporate artisanal, small to medium-scale mining such that it may have promotions on mining equipment in such a way that duties and taxes are not
chargeable so as to grow the small-scale mining industry. The equipment should include the likes of jackhammers, underground head torches, ropes nylon and wire ropes, bits etc.

10. ROYALTIES AND LEVIES

May the government direct part of the royalties and levies collected to road rehabilitation, because in most areas where the minerals come from, the road network is in a very bad state. We all know once the minerals are finished, no mine or miner will ever come back to rehabilitate the roads for a loss.

11. HIGHWAYS AND TOLLGATES vs MIN OF HEALTH

May the government share the income generated by the highways and tollgates with the Ministry of Health as more and more casualties come from accidents and once at hospital patience are faced with a lack of medicine or
treatment. This facility will be able to assist or improve our health sector such that even miners who ply the roads get the best help on time and return back to work well and fit.

12. SYNERGIES WITHIN MINISTRIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

We have noted the disengagement of ministries and departments in the industry whereby production can be
increased or improved. Giving some examples, the ministry of mines should work with the Ministry of Transport in such a way that all the mining dumps or waste will be used in road construction and maintenance. Mining pits that carry lots of groundwater can be used in agriculture for farming projects like fish farming, horticulture and many others. Miners drain a lot of underground water which is clean and EMA OR ZINWA can construct water bodies or dams where miners pump their wastewater which will be utilized by the farmers.

13. GOVERNANCE

Currently in Zimbabwe, there is no law which is specifically for small-scale mining, the same laws for mining apply to both small-scale, artisanal, and big mines. Having one shoe fits all principle cripples the operation of the small-scale mining sector as there are a lot of challenges faced, from the capital, equipment, labour, mine regularization, etc as all these are self-funded with no access to loans. There should be a law which protects small-scale miners, if endangered animal species have laws which protect them why not a sector or industry where human beings and families are concerned?

14. LACK OF INSTITUTIONS

The government is not doing enough in setting up essential institutions like schools, hospitals and shopping centres for small-scale miners to feel at home wherever they will be mining. The lack of these essential facilities will make miners abandon their families in search of mining fortunes thereby creating distant relationships with family and friends. Also, it’s a health hazard as miners do have a high chance of contracting deadly diseases.

15. LEGAL MATTERS

May government come up with a mining court/s where matters relating to mining are resolved effectively and fast as we have noted with great concern that, more cases end up taking more time to be resolved because the courts handling the cases will be overwhelmed with many other cases and are not versed with the industry.

16. LACK OF POLICY ON SECURITY IN THE MINING SECTOR

Small-scale miners have become a target of lazy people in the mining sector in form of robbers, murderers, thieves and rapists. As a country, we are now faced with a group or gangs of machete-wielding people who claim to be miners but in actual fact, are thieves and robbers. As we have noticed these gangs have become another force if not carefully dealt with, we are breeding terror groups to which the government at one point in time will have to face them in a fierce battle. It’s another guerilla war in the making. Currently, the police have no capacity nor chance to deal with these terror gangs. As a country, we are losing hard-working citizens day by day through machete inflicted deaths. There should be laws to protect miners from these groups. We would propose stiffer sentences on the perpetrators because if stock theft has not less than 9 years, why not protect human lives than animals. The perpetrators should be given hard labour in the mines to reduce our cost of production, as they will be working in
government mines like ZMDC, ZIMASCO, ZIMALLOYS, in the coal, chrome, limestone and other industrial minerals which are beneficial to various sectors. We also believe that if the presidential powers act incorporates this issue as a matter of urgency we hope sanity will prevail. These gangs are economic saboteurs. These gangs are the ones promoting heavy leakages as their loot or minerals will be sold to the highest bidder and with no trace.

17. FINANCE

Small-scale mining operations do require financing in order to succeed with better repayment rates and flexible terms and conditions. Most small scale miners resort to disposing of their assets and small savings in order to start up the mining operations. May the government through its institutions like NSSA whose monies are being looted by
thieves in authority be channelled to the miners who are currently contributing to the country’s financial basket.

18. VALUABLE MINERALS BEING WASTED.

We have noticed that valuable minerals are being wasted due to ignorance and lack of synergies between ministries, communities and mining associations. May we give an example of the current Norton – Bulawayo highway construction, we did notice that iron ore with 52.33%, red oxide ore with 19.68% iron (Tested by Department of metallurgy on the 6th of May 2019 certificate no. 000739C), Gold and 2 more other mineral ores which we could not identify due to lack of technical as well as technological support are being used as waste raw material in the
road works.

The second area of concern is the raw materials, river-sand being used by the Chinese tile factory. We believe most of our rivers consist of alluvial gold and other mineral elements. On the 9th of May 2016, just a paragraph in the Chronicle says “Excavation associated with the upgrading of the Kariba South power station along the shores of Lake Kariba led to the discovery of Gold & Platinum group of mineral deposits.

Discoveries were made during sand abstraction in Gache Gache. Our plea is, may the so-called raw materials from mining be extracted off the minerals before being used. Also, may the government allow knowledge transfer between the so-called technical people (surveyors, geologists etc) and the miners or associations in order to boost the Industry. Once miners are equipped they will be able to use the knowledge, in mining various minable minerals
like copper, manganese, gemstones, iron, tantalite etc.

19. LACK OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FROM FOREIGN INVESTORS OR MINES

From a community point of view, we were better off without these miners or so-called investors. They are busy looting our minerals and ores, giving far less or nothing to the community. Our people are suffering more day by day from lack of better roads being destroyed by miners, poor wages, salaries and working conditions when employed, lack of health facilities and schools while minerals worth billions of dollars are vanishing from our communities. Giving an example of Afrochine plying our communities in search of the much-needed chrome ores to feed their smelter but nothing has been done since their establishment to make our roads state of the art or just better so that when they leave, we have something to show for.

May the government push for a side by side community development with the investor during their business setup, rather than for them to prioritize their business and the community last, while they got the very minerals first from the community. A community master plan must be availed before any commencement of works.

20. LACK OF RESPECT TO OUR TRADITIONAL CULTURE AND VALUES.

Most of our foreign investors do lack respect for our traditional culture and values. May the responsible authorities enlighten them that we are a country rooted in our beliefs and values. We have places and areas which cannot be mined because of zviera and midzimu yedu but because it is investment, we noticed that most of the sacred areas are being penetrated by the so-called investors in the name of prospecting and exploration, later on, mining. A good example is the Chinese mining at Nharira hills. Our chiefs and local leaders have no value or meaning to the foreign investors.

21. EXCLUSIVE PROSPECTING ORDERS (E.P.O)

Since most Zimbabweans are readily geared to venture into mining, we believe these orders should not nor never be issued. Zimbabwe is open for business as the presidents’ mantra, but EPOs are closing down Zimbabwe’s business. The country has been prospected by these foreign investors for years now, what we require as a country is production. It is known the world over, that Zimbabwe has vast deposits of minerals like chrome, gold, lithium, tantalite, manganese, platinum etc, but year in and year out, the country is always being blanketed with EPOS.

22. LACK OF IMPROVEMENT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF METALLURGY

May the powers being, do visit the department and see for themselves that the department needs to be revamped or refurbished. As miners, when searching for investors, partners or markets we require credible test results that meet international standards. Please, we beg you, may something be done to improve the metallurgy department. We are issued with test results but due to their state, sometimes we doubt their accuracy.

23. MINER, FARMER DISPUTE.

We believe both parties play pivotal roles in our economy hence the need to look at this issue holistically. A farmer requires surface area for farming and a miner requires ground area for mining. As a country, we need to come up with models that are suitable and in tandem with the MINISTRY OF AGRICULTUREs farm zoning, that is, A1, A2 AND Commercial farm. As a suggestion, if per se, a miner wishes to register a mine or claim in a 20 hector farm size let him be allowed only 5 hectors surface area so that he spares more space for a farmer than to take up a big surface area which may not be used at all.

24. ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL GRANTS

May the government really be serious in this regards, if it requires the industry to grow. At this time and age, we expect and anticipate the smooth flow of the process but in the special grant process, it’s a nightmare, as we are advised that the board which does approvals seats once or twice a month and honestly for the whole country. This process brings about a window to corruption and injustice to locals as they will be spending more money in following up. In some cases, two years pass without even a response hence those with hard cash getting what they
wish. May something be done as a matter of urgency.

Written by Privelage Moyo. Moyo is a miner, a registered gemstone buyer and Chairman of Norton Miners Association. He writes in his personal capacity.

Govt gives up on 40-tonne gold target

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Govt gives up on 40-tonne gold target

ZIMBABWE will not reach the targeted 40-tonne gold output this year after gold producers endured a subdued performance in the year to date due to power, fuel, foreign currency challenges and suspected smuggling.

This comes after gold producers managed to deliver just above 12 tonnes of gold during the first half of 2019 from 17,2 tonnes  extracted  during the same period last year.

Producers of the “yellow metal” now need to produce more than 27 tonnes during the second half of the season – which is traditionally the strongest half in the sector – to reach record deliveries. Experts however say this was now mission impossible given the circumstances on the ground.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya said given the power cuts and fuel shortages the target was not going to be met.

“This year, we had projected a gold output of between 35 tonnes and 40 tonnes of gold but with the current power, fuel and forex challenges the target may not be reached,” Mangudya said.

He said the economy has continued on a downward trajectory since the beginning of 2019 as gold exports plunged 31 percent to US$490 million during first six months of 2019 from US$715 million earned during the same period last year.

In February this year during the monetary Policy Presentation, the central bank pronounced that the gold miners were going to get 55 percent forex retention on cash basis with the balance given on local currency at the interbank rate of the day.

This was a significant decrease from 70 percent forex retention threshold which was given to small scale miners last year and this has created arbitrage opportunities for small miners.

The decrease in forex retention levels has led to suspected smuggling to neighbouring South Africa as cartels close to the corridors of power are offering gold producers 90 percent of forex. It is estimated that last year over 40 tonnes of gold were smuggled to
South Africa.

A ministry of Mines and Mining Development Ministry official who
declined to be named said: “It’s now official that we are not going to
reach 40 tonnes this year given the power and fuel situation in the
country.

“The Ministry will soon carry out a meeting as to what can be done to improve deliveries. With expected smuggling the country will lose more.

“Earlier this month even the Minister himself (Winston Chitando) believed that the 40 tonne mark is no longer possible.”

When contacted for comment Chitando asked for written questions which
he did not respond to at the time of going to print.

Gold is Zimbabwe’s highest forex earner contributing over 38 percent of total export earnings.

Government is targeting 100 tonnes of gold by 2023. Business Times

Filabusi woman raped in a disused mine

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A Filabusi woman was allegedly rapped in an abandoned mine which was about five metres deep by a gang of five suspected machete miners (Mashurugwi).

Kennedy Wonder Ndlovu (23) of Marumba B Village in Filabusi was not asked to plead when he appeared briefly before Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi, facing a rape charge.

It is alleged that Ndlovu together with his gang ambushed a Filabusi couple who were coming from a night club and threatened the man who fled from the scene before Ndlovu raped her.

Ndlovu was not asked to plead and he was however, remanded in custody to September 9 for trial.

Prosecuting, Miss Ethel Mahachi said Ndlovu raped the woman on the 13th  of February   at around 3am whilst she was returning from the nightclub with her boyfriend.

“On 13 February at around 3AM, the complainant and her boyfriend left Sibiya Nightclub at Theleka Business Centre in Filabusi where they had been drinking and proceeded home. ’’

“After they had walked a distance of about 500 metres from the nightclub, they were approached by a group of five men who were flashing torches and Ndlovu was among them.’’

“Ndlovu produced a catapult and threatened to assault the complainant’s boyfriend who fled from the scene leaving his girlfriend behind. Ndlovu dragged the complainant into the bush for a distance of about 100 metres while his friends followed,’’ he said.

Ms Mahachi said Ndlovu pulled the complainant into a disused mine which was about five metres deep and raped her while his friends watched.

 She said when he was done, Ndlovu and his friends left and he left his catapult and a black hat at the scene.

Miss Mahachi said the complainant went back to the business centre where she sought assistance and the matter was reported to the police. The police visited the scene and recovered Ndlovu’s belongings. 

She said Ndlovu, who was on the run, was arrested on July 10.

Mawere accused Zim government of failure to honour property rights

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Mawere accused Zim government of failure to honour property rights

RENOWNED businessman and shareholder of African Associated Mines in Zimbabwe Mutumwa Mawere has accused the Zimbabwean government for its failure to honour property rights and he said that such practices chase away investors.

Rudairo Mapuranga

Commenting on his official Twitter blog, Mawere said that although Zimbabwean government is working on reviving the Shabanie Mashaba Mines which were under AA Mines, it is against the law of the land for the government to take that course of action before property ownership issues are addressed.

According to Mawere, the government’s zeal of pushing towards the opening of Shabanie Mashaba mines was an act of thievery and  they should never be congratulated for doing so.

“After reading the propaganda , some people may soon be persuaded to congratulate a thief for fixing a car the thief  damaged using public power and public funds” reads the tweet in part.

Mawere  is of the view that the laws of the land which allow the minister to take people’s properties is a direct insult to the ‘’open for business’’ mantra hence investors will not invest in Zimbabwe due to these issues.

“Let us understand what is at play here, imagine living in a country where the abuse of public power is a headline, would you feel secure let alone invest in such an ecosystem? Imagine a law that allows a Minister to divest and deprive you of your rights” said Mawere.

Mawere however admitted that the market for asbestos is available in the world but the country needs to address issues to do with property rights first.

“The market for asbestos exists but that would be a diversion from the core issue of property rights and the role of the government in undermining the rule of law” says the tweet.

 

Woman killed in Lafarge compound after Cement Mine blast.

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Woman killed in Lafarge compound after Cement Mine blast.

After losing their mother due to irresponsible mining activities, the bereaved family was told by the government not to speak to anyone about the incident.

A Pangoula Farm woman on the outskirts of Harare died when a huge stone from a Lafarge
quarry blast bore through the roof and struck her on the head. Shupikai Chitsana (36) who
was in the kitchen died on the spot while her aunt was injured after a fly rock from Lafarge
Cement quarry mine ripped through the roof and hit her in the head.

A perforation on Shukokai’s roof was left by a fly rock from Lafarge Cement Mine blasting site. The incident happened on 15 August 2019 and the deceased is survived by her spouse and
five children.

Minister of Mines Winston Chitando is said to have visited the scene a few days after the
accident and ordered Lafarge to erect billboards with blasting procedures,
According to the locals there were no warning signs erected around the farm workers’
compound and they only appeared after the accident ,that is the billboard was only erected on  the 26 of August 2019.

The family was ordered not to talk to anyone about the incident and to refer all those
inquiring about the accident to the police and the farm manager.

Lafarge Cement Corporate Affairs Manager Tawanda Njerere confirmed the incident and
said investigations by the police and the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development are
underway.

“It is true, there is a lady who died and another one injured when our contractor, Afri
Mining was blasting at our quarry mining site near Pangoula Farm. We did the necessary
notifications to the Ministry of Mines and immediate action was taken. We are now waiting
for the report.”

Although Njerere said that they cannot talk of compensation before the Ministry of Mines and
the police complete the investigation, he said the insurance will take over once the report
has been produced.

Lafarge Cement reportedly covered funeral expenses and is also
meeting the medical bills for the injured.

CNRG Director Farai Maguwu said ‘this is an unnecessary loss of life, it’s an accident that
shouldn’t have happened in the first place because there are laid down procedures for
blasting which are all intended to protect lives and these were ignored. I am equally
disappointed with attempts by the government to conceal the matter by threatening the
community not to talk to anyone about the unfortunate incident.’

Zimbabwe Center for National Resource Governance

Information Department
+263718315939/+263774542019

Govt Urged to Charge Mining Investors a Fee for Land Reclamation

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Govt Urged to Charge Mining Investors a Fee for Land Reclamation

Government should consider introducing a levy on mining prospectors to be used for land reclamation, Parliament has heard.

Contributing to submissions at a public hearing by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines held in Kwekwe last week, a miner, Silas Chaduka blamed the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) for sleeping on duty.

“The Mines and Minerals Act is a wonderful piece of legislation that is only lacking implementation. People just prospecting and mining as they see fit without any ramifications because the implementation of law is very weak,” Chaduka said.

He said Zimbabwe is losing its beauty at an alarming rate due to mining.

“The rate in which we are losing our environment is quite alarming. It is like we don’t have an environmental agency in place.

“What we must have in place as law is a security deposit fee from investors which we will use for land reclamation after the investors might have left the country.

“Otherwise if we are to continue with the business as usual approach, the situation will be worse when it comes to siltation, soil erosion and other forms of land degradation,” Chaduka told the committee chaired by Dumezweni Mawite.

Chaduka called for consistent and serious enforcement of laws to plug leakages in the mining sector.

“We must fine-tune enforcement and monitoring so that it must be watertight. The leakages are caused by lack of enforcement. It’s sad that we have security state organs but we continue to have such challenges.

“Every grain of gold extracted in this country must be accounted for. We have to harness every mineral resource in the country. There is need for monitoring, enforcement and accountability,” the mining expert said.

Another miner Evans Kadenhe said Zimbabwe is losing a substantial amount of gold to the Chinese.

“We need serious security and scrutiny when it comes to investors in the country. I want to draw your attention to the Chinese investors. The Chinese are not only looting our gold but there are also not accountable.

“There is need for security and transparency. The Chinese don’t build permanent structures but there only loot and leave our land in a mess,” Kadenhe said.

Source: New Zimbabwe

Zim should decentralize power generation to ensure adequate power supply

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Zim should decentralize power generation to ensure adequate power supply

Power decentralization is a major approach that the Zimbabwean government should consider so as to desist from heavily depending on SAPP for power imports whilst it has the capability of generating surplus power, rather expenditures must be focused on importing and servicing machinery.

By Charmaine Kamambale/ Rudairo Mapuranga / Mirirai Ngoya

Corruption is the key factor contributing to Zimbabwe’s failure to fully invest in stable electricity supply and localize the generation of sufficient power for the whole nation .Notably, during the winter season, electricity supply from hydropower station is not enough to supply the whole nation. Too much fulfillment of personal interests amongst the top officials is leading to power black outs in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) should take arms and come up with an initiative to localize power supply in Zimbabwe, there is a need to increase penetration of renewable energy technologies for the benefit of the future . As such, using water shortages as an excuse for the failure of hydropower supply is not significant at this point in time .

Mr. Farai Maguwu highlighted as thus “the government must open up the power generation sector to Independent Power Producers who can use their resources.”

This has been further consolidated by the Southern Africa  Power Pool (SAPP) that  Independent Power Producers are going to play a critical role by supplying 22% of the new generation capacity in the same period whilst Coal, 10896, 36%Hydro, 7863,26%Gas, 5644,19%Solar, 2265,7%Wind, 3033,10%Diesel, 216,1%Biomass, 284,1%New Generation Capacity

Zimbabwe shouldn’t entirely depend on ZESA alone  for its  power supply, instead the country should utilize  the opportunity of generating more power locally hence reducing import burdens. Looking back in the history of Zimbabwe it can be traced that the government of Zimbabwe has not fully invested in power supply generation for the country from 1980.

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe Farai Maguwu said that that the prevailailing situation in the country is due to the fact that the government never invested in electricity generation.

“Government has not invested significantly in electricity generation since independence in 1980, mainly due to corruption and lack of vision there are three possible solutions that the government must consider for the benefit of every individual” he said.

1. There is a need for the government of Zimbabwe to take away the monopoly of  ZESA and allow completion of power generation and supply within the country, in that way providers of solar power must wake up and grasp such an opportunity to generate income and play a pivotal role in dismissing the load shedding theme which Zimbabweans are reciting as a national anthem.

2 Investment which is less costly must be put on the table by the government so that they generate sufficient power for the nation rather than depending on electricity imports where they are buying inadequate power for the nation worsening  the situation, hence leading to the deterioration of many businesses in different sectors of the country.

Maguwu said that, the government must encourage clean energy technology which doesn’t require expensive infrastructure like that which is used in hydropower.

3. Since independence the load shedding theme runs in the streets of Zimbabwe  and whilst top officials are barely affected by this situation ,the citizens of Zimbabwe are suffering beyond doubt. It is time for the government to open its eyes and decentralize power generation.

“There is a need to decentralize power transmission. Provinces must be encouraged to generate electricity for local consumption first and sell the surplus to the national grid” supported Maguwu.

Zimbabwe needs to take up strides in the utilization of clean energy as its source of power . Due to climate changes , depending on hydroelectricity seems unwise hence there is no need for the government to continuously rely on ZESA or hydropower supply only , rather it must license private players who can  invest in alternative power supply.

Acting ZESA Chief Executive Patrick Chivaura reportedly said that Zimbabwe requires US 14million for monthly electricity imports  in order to meet electricity demands and currently the load shedding schedule has stirred from heavy to severe. Thus indicating that Zimbabwe should implement measures that are going to ease the situation by investing in its own sustainable national power supply.

It is actually speculated that Zimbabwe relies mostly on hydropower but the truth of the matter is that Zimbabwe is capable of producing the required amount of coal to help in providing power for the whole nation.

It is disappointing  that we could not manage to receive comments from ZESA and Rugare Dhobie from Hwange colliery concerning why Zimbabwe is failing to generate much power from coal reserves to cover up the gap left by hydropower generation.

“Coal must be used as a transitional energy resource the greater p part of the world is transitioning from coal-powered electricity to renewable energy due to climate change which is also contributing to food insecurity in Zimbabwe.  Thus Zimbabwe can easily generate enormously solar and wind energy if the government makes clean energy a priority. But as the Gwanda solar project and now the awarding of yet another solar tender to the graft-accused former Eskom CEO Koko, our government’s affinity to corruption is the main stumbling block to our dream of energy self-sufficiency” said Farai Maguwu.

Zimbabwe has a capacious coal mining industry yet the nation is experiencing serious power deficits .It is actually surprising that Zimbabwe relies mostly on importing energy from its neighboring countries yet our four coal mining firms are capable of producing 500 000 tones of coal at minimum per month  and ZPC requires about 250 000 tones of coal per month to satisfy all the 4 thermal power stations in Zimbabwe.

However, obsolete equipment pulls down productivity in the mining industry ,  as such the government’s vision of producing 20 million tones of coal per year seems surrealistic .

Zimbabwe needs to invest in importing machinery that will help boost the coal mining sector in order to rescue the nation from long frequent and long lasting blackouts .

Research has it that numerous projects that will counteract the debilitating power shortages are underway and these include the Sengwa project which is based on a coal resource of 1.3 bn tones reportedly capable of generating up to 2000MWof power , Batoka project which is a prospective hydroelectric power station planned to be on the Zambezi river , Harava solar project which targets to construct an initial 20 MW solar array.

Nevertheless , with the rate of corruption being at peak in Zimbabwe these projects only offer hope to the public but the funds invested in these projects attract greedy individuals . Consequentially these projects will take much time to be accomplished than the initial expected period .

Strive Masiyiwa the renowned  owner of diversified international telecommunications(Econet) reportedly affirmed that  he could have proffered a solution to curb Zimbabwe’s energy distress years ago but  the devastating corruption rate in Zimbabwe pushed him away .

Zimbabwe should cut power imports, rather the nation strive to  work towards importing machinery that will effectively assist in boosting our coal mines subsequently ensuring stable and sustainable power supply . Electricity imports are crippling our treasury.

Although Zimbabwe might receive power from South Africa of up to 400MW, the South Africa power utility Eskom has set tough conditions for the country which means that, Zimbabwe must lay its brains and effort in investing in its own power.

According to Eskom, Zimbabwe will be guaranteed 50MW due to the fact that Eskom is encountering some challenges and a resounding 350 MW  contract is anticipated only if there is no load shedding in South Africa.

ZESA should therefore be resolute in seeking both local and foreign genuine investment to improve Zimbabwe’s power grid, Zimbabwe through its know power stations has the capacity to produce enough electricity for the country.

The country which with a total of  total of five power stations which have the capacity of producing more than 3000MW is current producing only 813MW, with Munyati power station producing only 16MW from a supposed 120MW ,Bulawayo14MW from a supposed 120MW         ,Harare 16MW from a supposed 156MW, Kariba 359MW from a supposed 1050MW and  Hwange producing only 408MW from a supposed 920MW which will be increased to 1520MW due to the fact that, a third stage being added to the station with 2 x 300MW units being constructed.

The solution to Zimbabwe’s grueling power cuts lays in Zimbabwe investing in generating its own electricity, if all of Zimbabwe’s power station being to work at full throttle it means Zimbabwe will have more electricity to export than to consume, a tip of an iceberg.

This article first appeared in the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine August 2019 issue

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