Masvingo withdraws mining permits

Sharon Chimenya, Masvingo Correspondent
MASVINGO City Council has withdrawn development permits for miners at Target Kopje Hills, averting a potential disaster that could have caused contamination of the city’s water sources.

The residents near the hills, which also house the water reservoir, lodged complaints to the city fathers concerning the use of dangerous chemicals such as cyanide, mercury and the explosives that can affect the city’s water tank reservoirs.

According to the council minutes the local authority decided to withdraw the development permits for mining syndicates that were operating from the area.

“Heated debate arose regarding the alleged leaking of proceedings of the meeting to the Press and miners which led to the withdrawal of the development permit for mining syndicates at Target Kopje Hills,” read part of the minutes.

The Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association (MURRA), in October through its lawyers, Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba wrote to the city council requesting that the local authority stop mining activities that might damage the water reservoirs.

MURRA spokesperson Mr Godfrey Mutimba said he had received word through their lawyers that the mining activities had been stopped and were now waiting for a written response from the Ministry of Mines.

Lawyer, Mr Philip Shumba said investigations carried out showed the place was now guarded.

“I asked the Provincial Director in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to put the information in writing since we had discussed the matter verbally but the operations at the hills have stopped. There are no longer explosions at the site and the place is guarded,” he said.

Mining operations at the old mine were stopped more than 40 years ago after it was realised that the mining operations would affect the water pumping stations.

Meanwhile, ZIMRE Park residents complained to the local authority about the blasting activities and vibrations that occurred in August in which it was alleged that Gyn Tor 4 Mine was the source of the vibration.

A visit was conducted at the site to establish if the mine was operating within the confines of the Mining Regulations and advice on mitigating the effects of vibrations from the blasting on any infrastructure.

The members made recommendations to the mine manager on the operations of the mine.

“The manager of the mine was advised to clearly state the blasting time and post it where it is conspicuous to the public. Ensure the number of charges to be exploded at any one time do not exceed 50 holes.

Reduce the amount of Anfex used from 700kg used to 300kg. There should be a delay of 25 milliseconds interval that shall elapse between explosions.

All holes are to be effectively covered by suitable material such as steel mats, rubber mats or sand bags to minimise fly rock and noise being produced. Use non electric detonators were advised,” read part of the minutes.