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Fidelis Munyoro Chief Court Reporter
Vansburg Drumgold (Pvt) Ltd has been ordered to stop all mining operations at Drundrum Mine in Zhombe pending a determination of the dispute. Last week the mine hit headlines following reports that hundreds of illegal gold panners had besieged the mine in search of the precious mineral. This followed reports that 63kg of gold worth $2,6 million had been mined in three days, sparking a gold rush to the Midlands Province.
Mr Milton Marufu, the owner of the mining claim, sought an interim order against Vansburg Drumgold at the Bulawayo High Court on Monday to stop all mining activities at the site until the wrangles over exploitation of the mineral were resolved.
He also cited Officer Commanding Police Border Control Unit, Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Provincial Mining Director Midlands and Fidelity Printers and Refiners as other respondents.
Justice Martin Makonese granted the application brought on a certificate of urgency and stopped all mining activities at the mine.
“First respondent (Vansburg Drumgold) be and is hereby ordered to stop all mining operations at Drundrum Mine registered under certificate of registration number 29763 situated at Zhombe, Midlands Province,” said Justice Makonese.
“The first respondent be interdicted from accessing any proceeds thereof derived from the sale of gold deposited with fifth respondent (Fidelity Printers and Refiners) pending determination of this matter.”
Vansburg Drumgold was ordered to pay the costs of the suit.
Vansburg Drumgold has 14 days to show cause why the interim order granted to Mr Marufu cannot be confirmed as a the final order.
It also has to prove a prima facie case to turn the balance of convenience in its favour.
Drundrum Mine, which is located in Summerview, Zhombe, belongs to Mr Marufu, who has been kicked out of the claim. He was booted out of the claim by Vansburg Drumgold, fronted by one Shepherd Tundiya.
There is now heavy machinery on site. Mr Marufu was allocated the claim on December 13, 2013, with licence number 023960AA.
Prior to going to court Mr Marufu wrote to Fidelity Printers, Kwekwe, imploring them to withhold payment to Vansburg Drumgold.
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