Business / Economy
Private mining firms target Hwange coal zone
01 Nov 2016 at 08:59hrs | Views
Zimbabwe mines minister Walter Chidhakwa
The ministry of mines has been inundated with applications from firms seeking to mine coal at Hwange coal zone.
The area also covers the Hwange national park.
According to mines minister Walter Chidhakwa, the ministry has received more than 80 applications.
"I have 85 application. Imagine all those 85 coal mines operating close to the national park, how can we manage that?
"It is just not conceivable," he said.
Chidhakwa said they have crafted strict qualifying criteria.
He said there is need to protect the environment.
In 2010, government licenced five private firms to mine coal in the Matabeleland North province.
The area also covers the Hwange national park.
According to mines minister Walter Chidhakwa, the ministry has received more than 80 applications.
"I have 85 application. Imagine all those 85 coal mines operating close to the national park, how can we manage that?
"It is just not conceivable," he said.
Chidhakwa said they have crafted strict qualifying criteria.
He said there is need to protect the environment.
In 2010, government licenced five private firms to mine coal in the Matabeleland North province.
Source - Byo24News
