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Nyasha Chingo Business Correspondent
THE ZIMBABWE MINERS Federation (ZMF) says Government is negotiating with ZimAlloys and Zimasco for the release of chrome claims along the Great Dyke in a move that is aimed at empowering tributaries following the lifting of the ban on raw chrome exports. ZMF chief executive, Wellington Takavarasha said tributaries have been disadvantaged for many years by claim owners who determine the price of chrome at selling point.
“The Government is in the process of negotiating for the release of land. Tributaries will have the option of selling their chrome ore to buyers of their choice,” Mr Takavarasha said.
Mr Takavarasha said ZimAlloys and Zimasco will not be given any option of refusal.
“It’s a holistic approach where they won’t be given an option of refusal,” said Mr Takavarasha.
Tributaries working on ZimAlloys land have often complained over selling conditions as they are not allowed to sell chrome ore without the knowledge of the claim owner.
The miners are currently being paid $35 to $40 per tonne of raw chrome, while Zimra constantly descends on them for withholding taxes.
However Government recently released new raw chrome ore prices of $80 on delivery and $65 ex-works per tonne, a development that is set to improve the miners’ income amid depressed prices.
Government created a Special Purpose Vehicle to aid trading in chrome by organising miners into entities of the North, Middle and South Dyke to enable miners to sell ore. The SPV was created specifically to service small scale miners and ensure that miners are not short changed.
Issues of the correct tonnage are also being addressed as most Chinese companies were short-changing miners by understating the chrome tonnage.
Online Reporter