News / National
Mohadi 'summons' Kazembe
24 May 2024 at 03:54hrs | Views
The ongoing mine dispute involving Kazembe Kazembe, the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson, has entered a new phase. Former employees of Jumbo Mine in Mazowe, closed nearly a decade ago, have approached Vice-President Kembo Mohadi seeking intervention to secure a stake in the mine.
Previously owned by Mzi Khumalo's Metallon Gold, Jumbo Mine ceased operations in 2016, leaving significant salary arrears totaling around US$18 million owed to workers. Khumalo offered the former employees an opportunity to claim ownership stakes in the mine as compensation.
In response, these ex-workers formed mining syndicates and began extracting gold from what is believed to be one of Zimbabwe's richest gold deposits. However, their operations have reportedly faced disruptions allegedly orchestrated by Kazembe and other political figures in Mashonaland Central, who are purportedly seeking their own interests in the mine.
In light of these grievances, Vice-President Mohadi has reportedly summoned Kazembe to address the concerns raised by the former mine workers. Sources reveal that representatives of the ex-employees approached the Vice-President's Office to highlight their grievances against Kazembe's alleged interference.
Although Kazembe was unavailable for immediate comment, recent attempts by him to engage with former employees and party supporters at Jumbo Mine were met with resistance. Residents, particularly ex-workers, accused him of failing to uphold his promises made during election campaigns to support their mining activities.
Metallon Corporation, the former owner of Jumbo Mine, issued a statement regarding the restoration of large-scale mining operations at the site. The Mines Ministry inspectorate conducted a safety inspection, leading to the suspension of unsafe mining practices in affected areas on March 24, 2024. Despite efforts to formalize and regulate mining activities, the company lamented facing resistance from certain operators in the area.
Established in 1890, Jumbo Mine holds historical significance, with operations commencing in April 1904 after Charles Coghlan initially pegged the site in 1891.
Previously owned by Mzi Khumalo's Metallon Gold, Jumbo Mine ceased operations in 2016, leaving significant salary arrears totaling around US$18 million owed to workers. Khumalo offered the former employees an opportunity to claim ownership stakes in the mine as compensation.
In response, these ex-workers formed mining syndicates and began extracting gold from what is believed to be one of Zimbabwe's richest gold deposits. However, their operations have reportedly faced disruptions allegedly orchestrated by Kazembe and other political figures in Mashonaland Central, who are purportedly seeking their own interests in the mine.
Although Kazembe was unavailable for immediate comment, recent attempts by him to engage with former employees and party supporters at Jumbo Mine were met with resistance. Residents, particularly ex-workers, accused him of failing to uphold his promises made during election campaigns to support their mining activities.
Metallon Corporation, the former owner of Jumbo Mine, issued a statement regarding the restoration of large-scale mining operations at the site. The Mines Ministry inspectorate conducted a safety inspection, leading to the suspension of unsafe mining practices in affected areas on March 24, 2024. Despite efforts to formalize and regulate mining activities, the company lamented facing resistance from certain operators in the area.
Established in 1890, Jumbo Mine holds historical significance, with operations commencing in April 1904 after Charles Coghlan initially pegged the site in 1891.
Source - newsday
