Zimbabwe Railways can't access its mining claims in SA

Zimbabwe and South Africa are facing potential diplomatic tension over mining claims jointly owned by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) and sister companies in South Africa and Zambia. These claims cover approximately 1.7 million hectares and contain various minerals, including manganese, platinum, copper, and diamonds.

NRZ General Manager Respina Zinyanduko informed parliamentary committees that despite the vast potential wealth in these deposits, the NRZ is encountering challenges in exploiting them due to unresolved issues with the South African government. The mining rights are linked to Cecil John Rhodes and are jointly owned by NRZ, Zambia Railways, and South Africa's State mining entity, Africa Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation.

Zinyanduko revealed that discussions with South Africa have been unproductive, with South African Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe suggesting that the minerals were a donation to Zimbabwe and Zambia. The matter has been escalated to the government level for resolution.

The claims were originally donated to the railway companies of Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) by Cecil John Rhodes, with South Africa later incorporated into the ownership structure through the Pan African Minerals Development Company.