Backlash over mining dispute

Zimbabwe Prospectus Union (ZPU) is defending Mining Minister Winston Chitando after Fidelity Printers – a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe – sued him over a gold mine dispute. This government last year forfeited the Kwekwe Mine licence. In a High Court ruling last week, Justice Joseph Mafusire ruled against Fidelity, resulting in the mine’s ownership being transferred to Kwekwe miner Jona Nyevera who was allocated the claim last year by the Ministry. ZPU president Samson Dzingwe told New Zimbabwe that the court case is ‘unnecessary and embarrassing’. ‘Fidelity Printers failed to pay up for the inspections as required by the Act. The acquisitions of mining rights and forfeiture have nothing to do with the Minister,’ Dzingwe said. He noted that only mineral prospectors could purchase mines that had been returned to the state. 'They must adhere to the Mining and Mineral Act or seek advice and assistance from approved prospectors,' he added.