Chinese firm, Chief clash over mining rights

A legal conflict has arisen between Chinese mining company Wan Wenjin Jewellers and Chief Mutasa of Manicaland over allegations of unauthorised gold mining on land covered by the firm's exclusive prospecting licence (EPO 11/22), the Zimbabwe Independent reports.

According to company documents, attempts by the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit in Mutare to broker a settlement between the parties have failed, prompting Wan Wenjin Jewellers to seek the revocation of a special grant issued to Chief Mutasa. The firm argues that the grant was irregularly issued, violating an earlier binding agreement.

The dispute traces back to March 24, 2022, when Wan Wenjin Jewellers registered EPO 11/22. By November 23, 2023, illegal gold mining activities were reportedly underway at Stapleford, within the same area. An individual named Tosa, claiming to act on behalf of Chief Mutasa, was allegedly involved.

"When we confronted Tosa, he said he was operating under Chief Mutasa, who had a licence," the company stated.

CID officers visited the site on November 24, 2023, accompanied by company representatives, ordering the miners to vacate immediately. Four days later, Chief Mutasa was summoned to CID offices, where a temporary agreement was reached: Wan Wenjin Jewellers would tribute some claims to the chief and his miners on the condition that they operate legally through registered youth cooperatives. This arrangement was formalised in a signed affidavit, recognised as binding by both parties.

However, the company alleges that between November 23 and December 4, 2023, Chief Mutasa failed to honour the agreement, with illegal miners reportedly continuing operations. On December 4, 2023, the chief allegedly told miners the land belonged to him as the traditional leader, despite acknowledging Wan Wenjin Jewellers' EPO.

Tensions escalated further when Chief Mutasa later obtained a special grant (SG) over the same area in 2025, which the company claims violated their mining rights and undermined the integrity of the EPO system.

"The act of Chief Mutasa violated our interests. He was never arraigned for illegal operations in our EPO, breached our agreement, and was granted an SG against all this violation of our rights," the firm stated.

Wan Wenjin Jewellers also contends that it was not given a chance to object before the SG was approved, despite the grant covering the same mineral resources as EPO 11/22. The company warned that such practices threaten the stability and legality of Zimbabwe's mining title system.

"If everyone would do the same, then EPO 11/22 would become land open to pegging and prospecting against the law, and we would stand to lose," the firm said.

The dispute is headed for the courts, though both parties are reportedly exploring political channels to reach a resolution.