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Mash Central Bureau
GOVERNMENT, through the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC), will soon embark on riverbank mining along major rivers in a bid to tap into precious minerals, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri has said.
Speaking in Bindura recently, Cde Shiri said the exercise, which will also help in the desiltation of rivers, was a great opportunity for Mashonaland Central Province where gold is in abundance and would be starting with Mazowe and Angwa rivers which have become shallower because they are now clogged with sand.
The extracted sand will be sold interested parties.
“We have great rivers which are thought to be holding on to a great deal of precious minerals. We will start by desilting Mazowe and Angwa rivers. Government will be involved together with its partners, which means that Government arms like the MMCZ will be coming to mine in those rivers. The extracted sand will sold to those interested. Those interested in looking for minerals will do the processing of the precious minerals,” Minister Shiri said.
“It is an opportunity for this province where gold is in abundance. It is expected that minerals like gold will be found in these rivers.”
He said private players who are interested in the desiltation exercise should first acquire the requisite licences and look for partners who will bring in the technology and equipment.
Government had suspended the desilting of Mazowe River following illegal mining activities which were being carried out under the guise of river desiltation, forcing the river to divert its course and posing a serious threat to surrounding communities who depend on the river for water.
Online Reporter