Shock as Dalny Mine downgrades to small-scale
Chakari-based Dalny mine which shut down in July 2022 is currently in the process of building a small-scale plant at the mine’s locale in Chakari which will be operational on completion sources have revealed.
The struggling gold mine has been without power for the past 7 months and counting due to a huge electricity debt subsequently shutting down.
Workers unions have also decried RioZim’s poor workmanship accusing the miner of struggling to pay its debts, including timely paying workers.
In its trading update for the first quarter of 2022, RioZim blamed the lack of production at Dalny Mine on poor ground conditions and flooding. The company also indicated that the mine would be operational during the second quarter which never materialised leading to many workers losing jobs.
“There was no gold production at Dalny mine throughout the period. The mine suffered from poor ground conditions and flooding of its pits which rendered mining activities insurmountable. The mine is scheduled to resume operations in the second quarter after dewatering of the pits,” RioZim said through its trading update for the first quarter of 2022.
Reliable sources say there is a contractor building a small-scale plant on-site which is expected to be operational on completion, putting hopes of the Mineworkers’ return in jeopardy.
Mining Zimbabwe contacted RioZim’s Public Relations Officer Mr Wilson Gwatiringa who initially said he will get back with a response on allegations of the miner’s plans of downgrading.
“Good day, there have been reports that there is a small-scale plant that is currently being built at RioZim’s Dalny mine in Chakari, may you kindly confirm if this is true? If it is, why the downgrade and what will happen to the workers who were employed at the site,” this reporter asked Gwatiringa.
“I will get back to you soon,” Gwatiringa responded.
The reporter followed up 24 hours after to which Gwatiringa said the company does not have a comment which seems to be the norm whenever questions are posed to the company.
“We don’t have a comment,” Gwatiringa responded.
Meanwhile, RioZim workers intend to apply for RioZim to be placed under corporate rescue.