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Kamangeni Phiri Midlands Bureau Chief
THE Parliamentary Portfolio on Mines and Energy has said Unki Mines is working on engaging other platinum mining companies to set up a smelting plant for all.
Bikita South MP, Cde Jeppy Jaboon, who is the parliamentary committee’s vice-chairperson said Unki Mines management expressed commitment towards implementing government’s directive to beneficiate its platinum locally and support the indigenisation policy.
“Unki Mines remains committed to beneficiate its platinum locally. The mine general manager, Walter Nemasase, told us the situation was not conducive to put up a smelting plant because production was still too low.

“The company said it was willing to beneficiate its platinum but might need to engage other companies which are into platinum mining to put up one smelter where all the platinum ore would be processed,” said Cde Jaboon.

Unki Mines produces 128,000 tonnes of platinum ore per month.
The mining company has a workforce of about 1,500.

On community projects and empowerment programmes, Cde Jaboon said Unki Mines has complied with government policy on indigenisation.
He said: “Their corporate social responsibility programmes are exceptional. I think they rank as the best in the country.

“Unki Mines signed a memorandum of understanding with government in 2012 and they have been following government policy in their undertaking of community projects and indigenisation programmes”.

The parliamentary portfolio team toured Shungu Dzevhu Irrigation Scheme, the Botorekwa Pass and the Impali housing scheme in Shurugwi.
Unki Mines constructed 956 housing units for its workers under the Impali Housing project.

Impali housing scheme was built at a cost of $120 million and it also includes a state-of-the-art primary school.
Cde Jaboon said the parliamentarians were impressed with the housing project as the mine set up a water reticulation system and a sewage plant for the new suburb.
“We were told the construction of a clinic is underway.

“There are also plans to construct a secondary school which will be fed by the primary school. We can only say to Unki, continue with the good work,” he said.