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Midlands Correspondent
The government has hailed the signing of the ferrochrome deal between the Zimbabwe Mining and Smelting Company (Zimasco) and Portnex International of South Africa. Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa witnessed the two companies signing a $12million deal in Kwekwe last week. He said the resuscitation of abandoned mining companies in the country was inline with the resolutions passed at the just ended 15th Annual Zanu-PF People’s Conference in Victoria Falls.

Under the deal, Zimasco will resuscitate three of its five furnaces and recall its 800 workers in January.

Chidhakwa said, “The consummation of the deal between Zimasco and Portnex is absolute confirmation of Zanu-PF resolutions made at the recently held conference in Victoria Falls where we said we’re going to resuscitate all abandoned and shutdown mines in the country.”

In this light, Chidhakwa said the government had successfully worked out plans to re-open other closed mines such as Kamativi Tin Mine in Matabeleland North province.

“This will see the resuscitation of Kamativi Tin mine in Matabeleland North, Elvington gold Mine in Chegutu, and Zimasco, our ferrochrome mining company comes into the play, it is one good example in Kwekwe city which is supported with mining activities around,” he said.

Minister Chidhakwa said Kwekwe was a town that relied heavily on the mining sector adding that such positive developments were good for the residents. The Minister urged the new players together with Zimasco to consider environmental issues during their operations.

He advised the new business partners to look into matters of corporate social responsibility and the welfare of workers.