Opinion / Columnist
Zimplats should be serious
30 Jul 2014 at 14:14hrs | Views
Editor,
It is a fascinating paradox to hear that a major underground mine has collapsed in Ngezi at a time we are busy advocating for the implementation of the country's economic blueprint , Zim Asset. It comes as a way of sabotage being practiced by these foreign owned companies in the name of Zimplats.
The recent collapse of Bimha Mine, the largest of Zimplats' four mines should not be exaggerated to the extend of alluding that it has reduced the production of the mine fifty percent and restoration would take about four years. This comes purely as a way of sabotaging the government's indigenisation policy of ownership of local resources where the foreigners are supposed to cede fifty one (51%) to the locals.
It is a ploy by Zimplats to say that the collapse of the mine would reduce production to fifty percent thereby implying that the company is not making maximum profit .The real issue is that Zimplats do not want to construct a refinery here in Zimbabwe but to continue exporting the platinum for processing in South Africa where they have their plant. The refusal or the delay of constructing the much needed refinery at the mine is being parceled in controversy.
As a country we should not be seen allowing the export of raw platinum to South Africa as the ore contains about nine rich minerals which are of importance to Zimbabwe. Value addition is of paramount importance to the Zimbabwean economy at the moment.
It is a fascinating paradox to hear that a major underground mine has collapsed in Ngezi at a time we are busy advocating for the implementation of the country's economic blueprint , Zim Asset. It comes as a way of sabotage being practiced by these foreign owned companies in the name of Zimplats.
It is a ploy by Zimplats to say that the collapse of the mine would reduce production to fifty percent thereby implying that the company is not making maximum profit .The real issue is that Zimplats do not want to construct a refinery here in Zimbabwe but to continue exporting the platinum for processing in South Africa where they have their plant. The refusal or the delay of constructing the much needed refinery at the mine is being parceled in controversy.
As a country we should not be seen allowing the export of raw platinum to South Africa as the ore contains about nine rich minerals which are of importance to Zimbabwe. Value addition is of paramount importance to the Zimbabwean economy at the moment.
Source - Sewart Murewa
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