Missing mineral reserves record deters investors Masango Matambanadzo
Cde Masango Matambanadzo

Cde Masango Matambanadzo

Oswell Moyo Business Reporter
THE government should engage the Canadian organisation that did a study on the country’s mineral reserves and pay them outstanding fees in order to access the report of its findings for use in unlocking investment in the sector.Speaking at a meeting with the Parliamentary Portfolio on Environment in Bulawayo last Thursday participants said the absence of a comprehensive record on mineral deposits was a major barrier in courting investors and increasing the sector’s contribution to mainstream economy.

The delegates, who included students from the Zimbabwe School of Mines, demanded answers from legislators on the quantity of minerals the country had.

The crucial comprehensive geological survey report on Zimbabwean minerals exploration data is said to be in the hands of an unnamed Canadian firm.

In response Zvishavane-Ngezi MP John Holder said the country did not have the report of the mineral deposits because the company, which did the work, was not paid.

Kwekwe Central MP Masango Matambanadzo concurred saying the government did not have the money to pay the company in order to access the report.

“The Canadians did the study of the amount of minerals we have as a country  and went away with the results because   we had not paid them. Right now we’re planning to engage the Russians and Chinese to study for us the minerals we have,” he  said.

It could not be immediately established how much was to be paid to the said Canadian firm.

The participants accused the government of hiring foreigners to conduct tasks that could be undertaken by local people.

“The government must indigenise such undertakings, graduates from School of Mines must be given priority in doing these studies rather than entrusting Western countries that are hostile towards our country,” Arda Transeu Relocation Development Trust chairperson Cephas Gwayagwaya said.

Matambanadzo, meanwhile, urged small-scale miners to join genuine mining organisations that are transparent and would address their needs.

“These organisations you see are there to make money from you small-scale miners. They once came to parliament and said they would not work without money from the government. Don’t be part and parcel of them,” he said.

Chief Sigola of Umzingwane District said the government should be tough in curbing illegal mining.

“These panners sell gold to neighbouring countries such as South Africa, thereby depriving us of our wealth as they don’t pay tax,” he said.

During the meeting, Community Share Ownership Trust leaders were urged to engage in income generating projects to sustain themselves.

Deputy Director in the Ministry of Youth Development Indigenisation and Empowerment Taffi Greemas Mashonganyika reported that mining companies released only $29 million out of $124 million towards Community Share Ownership Trusts.

Community Share Ownership Trusts were established by the government in a bid to ensure that communities benefit from mining companies operating in their areas.

 

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