News / Regional
Govt revokes mining licence near school
3 hrs ago | Views
The Government has cancelled the operating licence of a gold mining company that had been carrying out gold leaching activities near the newly built US$600,000 Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe. The decision takes immediate effect.
The move follows an outcry from parents, community leaders, and education stakeholders who raised alarm over the potential danger posed by mining operations so close to the school premises. Concerns centred on the safety of pupils and staff, with fears that unregulated activities could compromise the learning environment.
Mining has long been a source of concern in the area. In 2023, a classroom block at the old Globe and Phoenix Primary School collapsed after illegal miners dug tunnels beneath the premises, forcing authorities to decommission the school.
The new institution was constructed to provide a secure environment for learners and features seven classroom blocks, an administration block, modern ablution facilities, and amenities for children with disabilities.
Kwekwe District Development Co-ordinator, Fortunate Mpungu, dismissed reports of illegal mining taking place adjacent to the new school. He clarified that the operations in question involved licensed gold leaching, but the operator's permit had since been revoked.
"There is no illegal mining there. In fact, there was a miner conducting gold leaching nearby, but his licence was cancelled and he will be relocating soon. The Office of the Minister of State is seized with the matter," Mpungu said.
Presidential Special Advisor on Monitoring Government Programmes and Projects, Jorum Gumbo, urged authorities to expedite the introduction of strict regulations to curb illicit mining activities. He stressed the importance of decisive action to protect communities and preserve public infrastructure.
Meanwhile, more than 1,300 pupils from the old Globe and Phoenix Primary School continue to attend classes temporarily at Russell Primary School grounds while the new facility is being prepared for occupation.
The move follows an outcry from parents, community leaders, and education stakeholders who raised alarm over the potential danger posed by mining operations so close to the school premises. Concerns centred on the safety of pupils and staff, with fears that unregulated activities could compromise the learning environment.
Mining has long been a source of concern in the area. In 2023, a classroom block at the old Globe and Phoenix Primary School collapsed after illegal miners dug tunnels beneath the premises, forcing authorities to decommission the school.
The new institution was constructed to provide a secure environment for learners and features seven classroom blocks, an administration block, modern ablution facilities, and amenities for children with disabilities.
Kwekwe District Development Co-ordinator, Fortunate Mpungu, dismissed reports of illegal mining taking place adjacent to the new school. He clarified that the operations in question involved licensed gold leaching, but the operator's permit had since been revoked.
"There is no illegal mining there. In fact, there was a miner conducting gold leaching nearby, but his licence was cancelled and he will be relocating soon. The Office of the Minister of State is seized with the matter," Mpungu said.
Presidential Special Advisor on Monitoring Government Programmes and Projects, Jorum Gumbo, urged authorities to expedite the introduction of strict regulations to curb illicit mining activities. He stressed the importance of decisive action to protect communities and preserve public infrastructure.
Meanwhile, more than 1,300 pupils from the old Globe and Phoenix Primary School continue to attend classes temporarily at Russell Primary School grounds while the new facility is being prepared for occupation.
Source - online
