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of p0rospecting for minerals without a licence.
The villagers were part of 62 panners who were arrested last week by riot police at Bikita Minerals after the discovery of tantalite deposits.
However, 42 others were spared jail after the State withdrew charges against them before plea due to lack of incriminating evidence.
It was the State’s case that between February and March 15, the 20 panners were part of hundreds of miners from Marozva communal lands who thronged Bikita Minerals following the discovery of tantalite deposits.
The 20, who were involved in illegal tantalite mining, would sell the mineral used in the manufacture of electronic goods to middlemen in Bikita.
The panners caused widespread land degradation through the haphazard digging they were conducting in search of tantalile.
The tantalite was sold for prices ranging from US$50 to US$75 per kilogramme.
The panners were arrested after Bikita Minerals mine reported the matter to the police.
Mr Richard Nyamuomba appeared for the state.
Online Reporter