Vubachikwe Mine, seeks to resume operations and reclaim its former glory

The sleeping giant of Matabeleland South, Vubachikwe Mine, seeks to resume operations and reclaim its former glory as one of the most productive mines in the region. Since the violent protests that saw a scaling down of optimal production at the mine, management has been working on a plan to get back on the saddle.

For the mine to become functional, there was an urgent need to repair and resurrect infrastructure that was affected by the violent protests causing a ceasing of normal mining operations.

“The mine is currently working on resuscitating and rebuilding the TSF (Tailings Storage Facility) plant that had been destroyed by rain and a halt in operations. Most repairs have been completed at the TSF plant. These repairs and rebuilds are key on the road to reopening the mine and resumption of normalcy, ” said Mr None Kananji the mine manager.

“As we gear up towards reopening a deliberate decision has been reached this week by management and owners to begin a scaled-up sprucing up of buildings and infrastructure including the mine headgear which would otherwise be difficult to attend to when operations are in full swing,” added Kananji.

The mine is working on fixing damages and providing services to the mining community. But vandalism has taken root and miscreants wreaking havoc with errant behaviour. Manhole metal covers are being stolen for sale as scrap metal, which has continued to worsen the situation and cause a delay in the reopening of the mine.

After stealing the metal covers, there is intentional damage to the sewer main holes, large bricks are being thrown down the main sewage holes and this has caused a lot of blockages in the community.

Management is working on clearing blocked sewage pipes, to provide basic needs in the communities. These sewer infrastructure damages have also derailed management’s efforts to rebuild mine infrastructure and return to normalcy, as the blockages happen every day and have to be cleared.

“At the end of the day, this infrastructure is for the workers and inhabitants of the mine. Apart from vandalism of Zesa property, this sewer problem is the next frontier in confronting anarchy and vandalism but hopefully, we will get on top of the situation.”

“The wish by the handful is to create a false image of crisis in the provision of decent amenities which is peddled to all who buy that propaganda hook, line, and sinker, but our pursuit is to ensure that we prevent water-borne diseases like cholera breaking out so we are keeping our eye on prevention of vandalism, repairing what has been damaged and gearing up for a return to full-scale operations,” concluded Kananji.