marble nkomo
Staff Reporter
THE Managing Director of Duration Gold, Allan Dolan, on Friday led a high-level delegation to Vubachikwe Mine to assess damage caused by an invasion of illegal miners, following the granting of a High Court spoliation order against the alleged ringleader Moses Langa and his accomplices.
Dolan was accompanied by fellow Director Dave Easterbrook, Communications Manager Robert Mukondiwa, Vubachikwe Mine Manager None Kananji and Technical Manager, Nelson Banda.
The visit comes in the wake of a High Court ruling ordering the immediate restoration of the mine’s peaceful occupation to Duration Gold after what the company described as an orchestrated invasion led by Langa.
The court action followed the emergence of video footage allegedly showing Langa mobilising and inciting groups of illegal miners to invade the mining lease. The footage reportedly prompted the respondents to consent to the order, paving the way for the granting of the spoliation order.
Speaking at the mine, Dolan bemoaned the disruption caused by the illegal occupation, saying it had not only interfered with operations but also posed serious safety risks.
“It is regrettable that we have had to endure such an unlawful invasion of our mining lease,” said Dolan.
“The actions of a few individuals placed lives at risk, disrupted production and threatened investor confidence.”
However, he was quick to commend the judiciary for what he described as a firm affirmation of the rule of law.
“We are greatly encouraged by the professionalism and decisiveness shown by the High Court. The granting of the spoliation order demonstrates that Zimbabwe’s legal system remains robust and committed to upholding property rights and the rule of law,” he said.
Dolan said the purpose of the visit was twofold: to assess the full extent of the damage to infrastructure and underground workings, and to map out enhanced security strategies to prevent future incursions.
“We have come to physically inspect affected areas and to determine what remedial work is required. At the same time, we are reviewing our security systems to ensure heightened alertness and rapid response capability going forward,” he added.
Vubachikwe Mine Manager None Kananji said preliminary assessments indicated damage to sections of the mine, including tampering with safety installations and interference with operational areas.
Technical Manager Nelson Banda noted that illegal mining activities often compromise underground stability and ventilation systems, creating long-term hazards.
Communications Manager Robert Mukondiwa reiterated the company’s appreciation of the local Gwanda police for their swift and co-ordinated response.
“We would like to sincerely thank the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Gwanda for working hand in glove with us to ensure that illegal miners are flushed out and kept off our mining lease,” said Mukondiwa.
“Their professionalism has been instrumental in restoring order.”
Mukondiwa revealed that Duration Gold would, in the coming weeks, roll out a suite of advanced technological security measures valued at tens of thousands of United States dollars. The measures, he said, would be implemented in partnership with leading Zimbabwean and South African technical experts.
“These upgrades will ensure that illegal miners are not only detected swiftly but also apprehended and properly identified to make prosecution easier and more effective,” he said.
“We will be scaling up legal action against offenders and seeking stiffer, tougher penalties to act as a deterrent.”
He emphasised that the company remains committed to lawful and sustainable mining practices that benefit both shareholders and the surrounding community.
Duration Gold operates Vubachikwe Mine near Gwanda and has been undertaking expansion and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at increasing gold output and employment creation.
Company officials expressed confidence that, with the High Court order in place and strengthened security measures on the horizon, operations at the mine would stabilise and proceed without further unlawful interference.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter