Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining operations in Mashonaland Central Province, specifically targeting mines that operate without the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificates.
In a recent development, New Brixton Mine in Shamva, represented by its manager Jairus Matsika (58), was summoned to appear before the Bindura Magistrates Court on charges of violating Section 97(1)(a)(2) of the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27).
The mine is accused of conducting gold mining operations without an approved EIA certificate.
According to court documents, on March 23, 2024, EMA issued a stopping order to New Brixton Mine, halting all operations until proper environmental compliance procedures were fulfilled.
However, during a follow-up inspection on March 28, EMA officials discovered that the mine had resumed operations.
The inspection team reportedly found Matsika at the site, along with five workers operating a compressor and hammer mills that were still emitting heat, indicating that gold ore crushing was in progress.
When asked to produce an EIA certificate, Matsika was unable to do so, resulting in his arrest.
Meanwhile, the dispute over the lucrative New Brixton mining claims in Shamva has taken a new turn after the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development rejected an application for an injunction by Korzim Strategic Minerals (Pvt) Ltd.
Korzim had sought to block any activity on mining blocks New Brixton 100, 102, and 103, but has faced a significant setback after authorities ruled that the company no longer holds valid rights over these claims.
According to official correspondence, the application for an injunction was denied because the default judgment granted in favour of Korzim on July 26, 2024 (Case Number HCH 2530/24) was later set aside under Case Number HCH 3414/24.
“As a result, these blocks of claims remain forfeited and/or cancelled and no longer exist, as previously advised in our letter dated April 16, 2024,” part of the response from the Mines Ministry states.
The ministry also revealed that all inspection certificates obtained after the court order were null and void, as they were obtained fraudulently.
However, authorities indicated that Korzim’s claim over New Brixton 101 (Registration number 39189), is still under review.
The dispute concerning New Brixton Mine underscores ongoing battles for mining rights in Mashonaland Central, with several companies accused of operating or claiming forfeited blocks.
