Let’s revive Shabani, Mashava mines

shabaniVandudzai Zirebwa Buy Zimbabwe
After years of debating on the issue, Zimbabwe has finally launched its position paper on the safe use of chrysotile, commonly referred to as white asbestos.
In the position paper that was unveiled in Harare recently by Minister of Industry and Commerce Mike Bimha, Zimbabwe is clear that if used in a manner that controls the inhalation of the fibre, our white chrysotile is not only safe to use but one of the country’s most strategic mineral resources in terms of its ability to bring export revenue as well as centrality in the provision of water, sanitation infrastructure as well as low cost housing.

While the world has been made  to believe that asbestos is a dangerous product, Dr Bernstein, the toxicologist expert from Switzerland who spoke  at the launch ceremony, indicated that no evidence has as yet emerged that links chrysotile to lung related diseases.

He indicated that the common misconception that has been made is to compare our kind of chrysotile to the blue and brown asbestos types that were mined in South Africa and Europe.

These two types which have been banned the world over were of a different mineralogical structure and contrasted sharply with the wooly type that our country mined.

Dr Bernstein’s view is that the biggest mistake made was our failure to differentiate our mineral from the  rest and calling them by the same name.

As such when the lobby by Europeans and South Africans found evidence that linked the blue and brown types to various lungs condition chrysotile was the unfortunate victim, even though the World Health Organisation has not pronounced any dangers associated with it if used safely.

In fact so safe is the product that  one is likely to die from swallowing a tooth pick than from inhalation of chrysotile.

For those who love braii, the chances of developing cancer after braiing  steak are also considerably higher  than those from inhaling white chrysotile.

As the world most studied mineral, evidence is now clearer that chrysotile is not only a far superior product to various alternatives touted across the world but known to be a product the world and Zimbabwe desperately needs to deal with various socio economic challenges.

In terms of cost, it generally retails at between 30-40 percent below less reliable substitutes. Minister Bimha who spoke at the ceremony accepted that Zimbabwe must do all it can to ensure that Shabani and Mashava mines are revived.

Statistics indicate that at their  pick, the mines produced between 180- 200 thousand tonnes of raw fibre a  year.

At current prices of $1 000 a tonne we would be fetching in the region of 180 million United States dollars of fresh money into our country.

At present Turnall and TAP in Zimbabwe which used to take up 5- 10 percent of the fibre is importing fibre from Brazil and Russia.

In 2013 alone Turnall spent $21 million dollars in imports which could have been used to create and save jobs on the local market.

With respect to labour, the mines employed up to 5000 people who took care of 25 000 direct dependants but as a result of the current closure are in various states of destitution.

The asbestos value chain also happened to be one example that shows the benefit of beneficiating minerals locally and establishing linkages between primary and secondary producers of raw materials.

Not only did Shabani-Mashava mines create the Zimbabwe listed Turnall Fibre Cement which has become our country leading exporter of goods in the SADC region but the mines were a key supplier of raw materials to industries in Bulawayo.

Without the infrastructure that was set up by the mines the likes of Mimosa Mining Company and Murowa Diamond Mines who are operating in Zvishavane would have found it difficult to set up shop.

However, both of these have benefitted through use of infrastructure and avoiding the costly route of starting afresh. Most recently Midlands State University has taken the decision to establish one of its engineering faculties in Zvishavane in recognition of both the human and capital investment by Shabani-Mashava Mines in the area.

In social terms a number of youths in Zimbabwe have now earned themselves careers through playing for two of the country premier soccer clubs, FC Platinum and Shabani Mine Football Club, both of whom came into being because of the dedication by the mines to investing in social amenities.

If the product had been exhausted and was no longer in demand globally one would say perhaps we should just let bygones be bygones.

Sadly not only is Chrysotile fetching record prices internationally but the resource is still abundant in Zvishavane and adjacent Mashava.

Each day the mines stay closed not only do we lose money our country badly needs but we increase the cost of reviving such facility due to the flooding of the underground tunnels.

By delaying the opening of the mines we also run the risk of paying astronomical retrenchment packages that will require a lot of money, which would be best directed to ensuring that our country earns income from productive engagement of labour.

Understandably the legal challenges that emanated when Government took over the mines have led to the current impasse.

However, as Minister Bimha said nothing is impossible to solve as long as the objective is to do what’s best for the country.

New Zim Steel which got trapped in similar legal wrangles is now focusing on re-opening the plant due to concerted efforts by Government to solve the problem.

Nothing prevents Government to take a similar approach and deal with the challenges at Shabani-Mashava Mines.  The benefits to the country at large and Zvishavane in particular will be immense.

With a common vision we can revive our mines.

Till we meet again, God Bless.

Email, [email protected], Cell 00263773751878

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