TOP government officials have warned illegal miners against disrupting gold mining activities at Dallaglio Investments' Eureka Mine in Guruve.
Dallaglio, a Padenga Holdings subsidiary, revived gold mining operations at Eureka Mine in 2021. However, informal miners have been encroaching into the mining zone, disrupting operations.
A recent stakeholders’meeting, attended by Mines and Mining Development deputy minister Polite Kambamura and Mashonaland West resident minister Christopher Magomo, resolved to flush out illegal miners and protect the investor’s property rights.
Guruve North legislator Tendai Pinduka also attended the meeting.
Kambamura stressed Eureka Mine’s significance as a major gold producer and job creator.
“Investors come in to make money and profit. As the government, we benefit from gold, we benefit from royalties, and we benefit from employment that is created. How do investors open new mines when we are illegally straying into their areas of operations?" he said.
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“We must behave ourselves in an orderly manner. Community members and the investor should work together in harmony to ensure that the country benefits from the investment."
Magomo cautioned community members to respect Dalaglio's investment and property rights.
“We cannot demand more from what we are getting from the investor. We should be grateful for what he has done for the community," he said.
“Community members must desist from violating the investor’s property rights. Doing so is illegal. If there are problems, community members should channel their concerns in an orderly manner.”
Chief Chipuriro of Guruve echoed similar sentiments.
“We must have an understanding of the rights of investors. It is not acceptable when we disregard those rights. Community mining groups should be organised,” he said.
Padenga Holdings' revenue for the half year ended June 30, 2024 rose 33% to US$99,2 million, driven by strong gold mining performance. Dallaglio's bullion output jumped 25% to 1 351kg.