admin
Llyod Gumbo Herald Reporter
The Government is committed to resuscitating operations at Shabani-Mashava asbestos mines but its efforts are being stalled by Mr Mutumwa Mawere’s interdict at the South African Supreme Court, Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa has said.
He was addressing the Senate on Thursday during a question and answer session. Minister Chidhakwa said he had instructions from President Mugabe to resuscitate the mines and create employment.
“We won a court case in South Africa and we got an interdict. Mr Mawere went back to the same Supreme Court which had given an instruction to the High Court to say he has lost the case and he went to the same Supreme Court only to delay and gain time,” he said.
“We are back again in the Supreme Court. When the very companies you are looking to support you as joint venture partners hear that you are still in court, the response is not very positive. Yes, we continue to look for resources and partners. ZMDC has already created a profile of the company, the grades, the advantages and benefits to the company. We hope that the issue at the Supreme Court in South Africa will be dealt with and finalised. We have no doubt that we will win the case but it simply stops us from doing what we ought to be doing, that is getting the company going.”
Minister Chidhakwa said about US$16 million was needed to start operations at the mine. He said the asbestos grades at Shabani-Mashava were of high standards and there are ready market within and outside the country.
The mine closed in 2008.
Mr Mawere is challenging ownership of the mine that was placed under judicial management in 2004 before the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation took over.
Minister Chidhakwa said he was working with Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa to ensure resumption of operations at all projects that closed down.
“I am confident that we will begin to get these companies like Elvington in Chegutu, Sabi, Shabani and Kamativi and we need to get all those companies going.
“The grades are good and they are in demand. Tantalite is in demand but we need resources. I want you to know that on my part we are doing the best we can and I have no doubt that we will get it right but it will take a bit of some time,” he said.
Online Reporter