Opinion / Columnist
Political interference in gold mining fuelling leakages, rights violations
19 May 2021 at 01:43hrs | Views
THE seizure of 23 pieces of gold worth R11 million at OR International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, that was being smuggled to Dubai by a Zimbabwean, Tashinga Masinire, reflects on the growing criminal practices in the mining industry in Zimbabwe.
In our community, illegal gold digging is ring-fenced from accountability by people with political influence.
They control smuggling syndicates in Chimanimani district. There is wanton digging of gold in Tarka forests, Chimanimani National Park, Roscommon Estates, Nyabamba, Rusitu Valley, Haroni and Rusitu river confluence.
Illegal gold digging is also taking place in Springfield (Masiza) and Bullock areas.
The political elite has manipulated mining authorities to award them several gold claims in these areas.
Gold mined in these areas is being sold on the black market and smuggled to international markets through neighbouring Mozambique and South Africa.
The reluctance by government to empower Fidelity Printers and Refiners to control gold buying in our district is clear evidence that the political elite is profiting from the black market through tax evasion and externalisation of forex.
There is no Fidelity gold buying point in these mining areas. At the same time, Fidelity is aiding the thriving of the black market by offering poor prices for gold.
Government has shown little interest in formalising artisanal mining to ensure that local communities derive benefit from mineral exploitation through revenue contribution to local authorities and the fiscus.
The mining of gold in Chimanimani results in land degradation, destruction of forests, criminal activity and water pollution. The community of Chimanimani lives in abject poverty amid poor service delivery, despite an abundance of minerals and forests.
The Chimanimani Development Trust calls on government to empower communities in gold mining areas through transparent and accountable policies.
The political elite is behind the escalation of illicit gold mining activities and environmental degradation taking place in our community.
In our community, illegal gold digging is ring-fenced from accountability by people with political influence.
They control smuggling syndicates in Chimanimani district. There is wanton digging of gold in Tarka forests, Chimanimani National Park, Roscommon Estates, Nyabamba, Rusitu Valley, Haroni and Rusitu river confluence.
Illegal gold digging is also taking place in Springfield (Masiza) and Bullock areas.
The political elite has manipulated mining authorities to award them several gold claims in these areas.
Gold mined in these areas is being sold on the black market and smuggled to international markets through neighbouring Mozambique and South Africa.
There is no Fidelity gold buying point in these mining areas. At the same time, Fidelity is aiding the thriving of the black market by offering poor prices for gold.
Government has shown little interest in formalising artisanal mining to ensure that local communities derive benefit from mineral exploitation through revenue contribution to local authorities and the fiscus.
The mining of gold in Chimanimani results in land degradation, destruction of forests, criminal activity and water pollution. The community of Chimanimani lives in abject poverty amid poor service delivery, despite an abundance of minerals and forests.
The Chimanimani Development Trust calls on government to empower communities in gold mining areas through transparent and accountable policies.
The political elite is behind the escalation of illicit gold mining activities and environmental degradation taking place in our community.
Source - Daily Maverick
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