Hwange mining companies criticised by govt and local communities

The government has castigated mining companies that failed to participate at the Hwange Agricultural Show and urged them to be part and parcel of all developmental programmes that take place in the areas in which they operate, ZBC News reported on Tuesday.

Although Hwange Agricultural Show is a district event, it remains one of the most popular in the mining town where local companies operating within the district are expected to take the lead in showcasing their products.

However, this year's showcase only saw one mining company, Hwange Colliery participating at the show, a development which observers say must be looked into.

The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Obert Mpofu said while some companies have embarked on impressive developmental programmes, it is surprising that only one mining company took part in the showcase when there are more than five new mining companies operating in the district.

Mpofu urged the companies to prioritise corporate social responsibility programmes.

The Governor and Resident Minister for Matabeleland North Province, Thokozile Mathuthu said it is in the interest of everyone that the multimillion dollar mining companies take part in provincial and district events and urged them to go a step further and support traditional leaders who are the custodians of the areas in which they operate.

The mining companies that did not take part in the show include KW Mining, Makomo and South Mining among others.

Some of the mines have also been criticised by the local communities for causing damage to Deka Road while carrying out their mining operations.