Some prominent government officials connected to ZANU PF bigwigs have reportedly established a cartel that is grabbing gold mining claims across the country.
<a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/cartels-hit-mining-sector/">Business Times</a> reported sources in the mining industry as saying there is fierce fighting over the control of mining claims across the country.
An official of a mining association, who preferred anonymity told Business Times this week that the recent dip in gold output is attributable to clashes over mining claims. Said the official:
<blockquote>
Sadly, there are so many well-knit corruption syndicates involving high-ranking officials in the government, including the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development taking over the claims that are already occupied by some miners.
What we are now seeing is that some powerful figures are now coming with back-dated documentation on the mines which we have mined for close to a decade now.
Our members haven’t mined properly since January due to this fight and the situation has intensified across the country hence the reduction in gold output despite not having heavy rains.
</blockquote>
Wellington Takavarasha, CEO of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), said that there are several mining disputes. Said Takavarasha:
<blockquote>
There are a number of disputes. The miners can approach our offices and the provincial directors to resolve such disputes to bring sanity into the sector.
It has happened and it is happening but not on such a high magnitude as purported by some people.
We have seen orphans and widows encountering such problems but we are helping out to ensure they get back their claims back. The Mines and Mineral Act is clear that whoever started pegging will win.
</blockquote>
Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando, promised to investigate the claims. He said:
<blockquote>
I will do my investigations into these matters but for now, you can send your questions in writing so that I can give you a comprehensive answer.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe produced 30 tonnes of gold in 2023, 15% less than the previous year as electricity cuts and currency volatility impacted output.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Cartels Hit Mining Sector, Blamed For Declining Gold Output

Addressing hundreds of workers at Danangwe District Youth Mining Cooperative in Chegutu on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_African_National_Union_-_Patriotic_Front">Zanu-PF</a> Secretary for Youth in the Politburo, <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudzai_Chipanga">Kudzanayi Chipanga</a> said Government should repossess mining claims and tributaries held for speculative purposes by absentee owners now resident outside the country. He said that the claims should be repossessed to create employment and boost the economy.
Chipanga said,
<blockquote>All mining claims which are not being used because the owners are outside the country should be repossessed by Government so that youths who are unemployed but have shown their abilities through artisanal mining should be given a chance.</blockquote>
He also urged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development not to renew claims and tributaries where there was no activity.
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/call-to-repossess-idle-mining-claims/">Herald</a>

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