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Gold Mine launches crackdown on illegal mining operations
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Freda Rebecca Gold Mine Limited has moved to curb illegal gold mining activities on its concession after filing a criminal complaint with the Zimbabwe Republic Police against individuals unlawfully operating within its mining lease.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, the gold producer confirmed that a police report under RRB number 63892257 has been lodged against illegal miners active within Mining Lease 21, registered under Surveyor General Registration Number 1845/1994.
The affected zones, commonly referred to as the Western Side, include Gwiringwindi, Headgear, Morocco and the GMB area, all of which fall under Freda Rebecca's legally registered mining lease.
Freda Rebecca managing director Mr Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya warned that any prospecting or mining conducted in these areas without the company's written authorisation is illegal and constitutes a criminal offence under Section 368(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05], which prohibits mining activities without the consent of the mining title holder.
Offenders risk prosecution under Section 368(4) of the same Act.
"The conduct of mining by individuals within this region without authority is a criminal offence and will inevitably invoke the long arm of the law," Mr Maseva-Shayawabaya said.
However, the company has also opened a limited window for regularisation, calling on individuals currently operating within Mining Lease 21 without formal approval to come forward for verification.
Freda Rebecca said only those who present themselves, verify their operations and complete the required documentation will be considered for regularisation and may be spared criminal prosecution.
Illegal miners and other affected stakeholders have been advised to report to Freda Rebecca Gold Mine between January 28 and 29 for the verification exercise. Those attending are required to bring maps, GPS coordinates, existing agreements, and national identity cards or passports to facilitate the process.
The move comes amid growing concerns over illegal mining, which mining companies say poses safety risks, undermines legitimate operations and results in significant revenue losses to both operators and the State.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, the gold producer confirmed that a police report under RRB number 63892257 has been lodged against illegal miners active within Mining Lease 21, registered under Surveyor General Registration Number 1845/1994.
The affected zones, commonly referred to as the Western Side, include Gwiringwindi, Headgear, Morocco and the GMB area, all of which fall under Freda Rebecca's legally registered mining lease.
Freda Rebecca managing director Mr Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya warned that any prospecting or mining conducted in these areas without the company's written authorisation is illegal and constitutes a criminal offence under Section 368(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05], which prohibits mining activities without the consent of the mining title holder.
Offenders risk prosecution under Section 368(4) of the same Act.
"The conduct of mining by individuals within this region without authority is a criminal offence and will inevitably invoke the long arm of the law," Mr Maseva-Shayawabaya said.
However, the company has also opened a limited window for regularisation, calling on individuals currently operating within Mining Lease 21 without formal approval to come forward for verification.
Freda Rebecca said only those who present themselves, verify their operations and complete the required documentation will be considered for regularisation and may be spared criminal prosecution.
Illegal miners and other affected stakeholders have been advised to report to Freda Rebecca Gold Mine between January 28 and 29 for the verification exercise. Those attending are required to bring maps, GPS coordinates, existing agreements, and national identity cards or passports to facilitate the process.
The move comes amid growing concerns over illegal mining, which mining companies say poses safety risks, undermines legitimate operations and results in significant revenue losses to both operators and the State.
Source - The Herald
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