Chronicle EditorNyore Madzianike Eastern Edition
Evicted diamond mining firms, which were kicked out of Chiadzwa have started stripping equipment from the mining concessions, amid reports that the equipment is to be shipped out of the country. Government last year ordered all the companies that were operating in Chiadzwa to stop operations and be consolidated as a single company, Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Mining Company Private Limited.
The firms resisted, but Government went ahead with forming the new company.
Since last week, haulage trucks loaded with mining equipment were seen leaving the diamond fields, heading to the Chinese-owned Golden Peacock Villa Hotel premises in Mutare where they are being temporarily kept.
Manicaland provincial mining director, Engineer Christopher Dube, confirmed the development.
“The equipment belonged to firms that were mining in Chiadzwa,” he said. “The owners of the equipment are the ones repossessing it. They are in a better position to know its final destination.”
An official at Golden Peacock refused to disclose information regarding the equipment and referred this publication to their Harare office.
Sources privy to the goings-on said the loaded trucks were in transit to Mozambique and Botswana.
“The equipment is coming from Chiadzwa,” said one source. “Remember there are companies which were operating there and were ordered to stop operations by Government before being consolidated into one company.
“The companies tried in vain to wrestle back the mining rights in Chiadzwa, but the courts ruled against them. After realising that they were not winning the court battle, it appears as if they have resolved to strip off their equipment.”
The source added: “The trucks which are being used are Mozambican registered. It is a sign that they might be going to Mozambique. Some of the equipment is claimed to be destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
After being ordered to stop diamond mining operations in Chiadzwa, one of the companies, Anjin Investment (Pvt) Limited approached the court complaining that Government’s move was in violation of the Chinese firm’s shareholder’s rights according to the Agreement on the Encouragement and Reciprocal Protection of Investments between China and Zimbabwe.
Government formed the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Mining Company to take over claims which were being mined by Mbada Diamonds, Anjin Investments, Marange Resources, Diamond Mining Company, Jinan, RERA, Kusena and Gye-Nyame.
Online Reporter