By Sindiso Dube
Duration Gold, the owner of Gaika Mine in Kwekwe and Athens Mine in Mvuma, says its two mines, which were in the past years invaded by illegal artisanal miners, are now operating normally after introducing measures to curb the chaos.
The company has tightened security at the mines and also entered into an agreement with artisanal miners from the local community in Mvuma in a bid to end bloodshed and illegal mining of the precious mineral.
A visit to Gaika Mine, where exploration is taking place, revealed that security had been beefed up with a double electric perimeter fence and heavily armed security details.
The arrangement between Athens Mine and artisanal miners has seen mining syndicates being given space to mine with the help of Duration Gold and the proceeds are shared among the miners and the mine.
The mine provides its equipment and armed security in case of any threats from rival illegal panners.
Duration Gold exploration and mining executive Allan Mashingaidze told journalists who visited the site that the arrangement had reduced incidents of violent clashes between artisanal miners.
“We have a small mining operation where we have empowered syndicates [teams] from the local community,” Mashingaidze said.
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“We got into a partnership with artisanal miners and we currently have 28 syndicates of less than 10 members whom we give access to our mining claims to mine and we have a sharing arrangement from the proceeds.”
This ensures miners operate in a legal and formal manner unlike the illegal and dangerous way they have been doing it.
This has reduced incidents of violence which had been the norm of this area from two years back.
“We are doing this in a bid to create a comfortable working relationship with the locals and also to better their lives,” Mashingaidze said.
“They should feel a sense of ownership and also protect their mine which is in their area.”
Mkhululi Sibanda, who is a member of a syndicate of artisanal miners at Athens Mine, said they had established a cordial relationship with Duration Gold.
