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Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent

Mining companies in the Midlands Province have suspended operations in compliance with the Government’s lockdown directive.

Platinum mines Unki (Shurugwi) and Mimosa (Zvishavane) have suspended operations.

Mimosa Mine spokesperson, Ms Elizabeth Nerwande last week said the company has suspended underground mining until the lockdown is over, but has applied for a waiver to allow some of the surface critical activities to go on under maximum safety and precautionary measures.

Ms Nerwande said there were other processes in mining that cannot be immediately suspended.

“I’m sure you are aware of the Minister of Mines and Mining Development’s announcement regarding mining companies.

“As Mimosa, we have complied with the lockdown directive and we have suspended operations. However, we have applied for a waiver to allow other processes that cannot be immediately suspended and other activities that are very critical,” she said.

She said there were activities that should continue to enable the company to resume production when the lockdown is over.

Ms Nerwande said Mimosa was in full support of the lockdown as it prioritises the safety of its employees.

Unki Mine general manager, Mr Walter Nemasasi said the Shurugwi-based platinum miners had complied with Government directive on the lockdown to minimise the spread of Covid-19.

“We have stopped operation in compliance with Government directive to lockdown,” he said.

Zimbabwe Miners Federation vice president Mr Marufu Sithole said small scale and artisanal miners were also complying with Government directive.

“We are complying with Government directive to suspend operations during the lockdown. Those that would want to continue operating have to apply through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. We are waiting for their response on our application,” he said.

Mining communities are regarded as high risk areas in terms of respiratory diseases due to the nature of their working environments. Most small scale and artisanal miners do not comply with safety and health regulations and usually operate without protective clothing.

Most mining communities are prone to pandemics and operation Chikorokoza Ngachipere might have been timely as most illegal miners were arrested.