VUMBACHIKWE Gold mine in Gwanda has been forced to cease operations amid revelations the mine failed to comply with an order from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to protect the environment Southern Eye Business established yesterday.
MTHANDAZO NYONI OWN CORRESPONDENT
Officials said the gold mine was ordered to stop operations last week.
The company was first served with a seven-day ultimatum to comply with the EMA rules and regulations, but it would appear it failed to adhere to the requirements, forcing authorities to order ceasation of operations.
EMA publicity manager Steady Kangata said Vumbachikwe Mine had been closed down after failing to abide by an order to protect the environment.
“The management failed to line the carry-in dumps that they were currently using and as EMA we are concerned about the handling of cyanide, a very toxic chemical at the mine,” Kangata said.
“We told them that their crushing area has to be confined to protect the environment and they should install adequate dust abatement measures, but they failed to do so.
“They were supposed to ensure that they put in place measures to avoid spillages of dangerous chemicals like cyanide, but they have not done so. They will only resume operations after they have met our orders,” he said.
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Kangata added that cattle have died in the Vumbachikwe area after drinking water contaminated with cyanide.
Vumbachikwe management was not immediately available for comment yesterday.
The mining company reportedly owes EMA $55 000 in statutory fees. Government officials also accuse management at the firm of allegedly resisting selling shares to indigenous Zimbabweans in line with the country’s indigenisation laws.
The mine was also forced to temporarily suspend operations recently due non-payment of Zesa bills and was petitioned by National Mine Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe over outstanding union dues they are supposed to remit every month.
Vumbachikwe Mine is located 16km from Gwanda town.
