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Masvingo Bureau
Bikita Rural District Council has fined Nan Jiang Africa Resources diamond mining firm in Budzi communal lands $40 000 for proceeding to built permanent structures at its site without approval from council. Nan Jiang Africa Resources has since last year been constructing permanent structures such as administration offices and a plant in the Devuli Ranch where the company discovered kimberlite.
Bikita RDC yesterday expressed concern over the actions by the company saying it was illegal for Nan Jian Africa Resources to proceed and built structures without council approval.
Bikita RDC chief executive Mr Johnson Mpamhadzi said they had fined Nan Jian Africa Resources $40 000 to have its structures regularised.
He said the firm had paid $35 000 so far and has been dragging its feet in paying the $5 000 balance.
“We are not happy at all with this company (Nan Jiang Africa Resources) because they just emerged and started building permanent structures like offices and plant equipment in our area without first seeking approval.
“Our council summoned them and ordered them to pay $40 000 fine for their structures to be regularised and they paid part of the money ($35 000) but they have been dragging their feet over paying the balance,’’ he said.
Mr Mpamhadzi said his council would take legal action against Nan Jiang Africa Resources if the firm continues to delay payment of the pegged fine.
H said the firm started operations at Devuli Ranch without seeking a licence from his council saying the company had not yet applied for a licence to date.
Mr Mpamhadzi however welcomed the discovery of diamonds in Devuli Ranch saying the local community in Budzi communal lands and the neighbouring Chamutsa community in Buhera would accrue immense benefits from the mine.
Online Reporter