By Evans Dakwa
As he commissioned the Pickstone Peerless Mine underground mining project in Mashonaland West province, President Emmerson Mnangagwa called upon miners to prioritise sustainable environmental usage in their operations.
The call by the first citizen comes against the backdrop of allegations against some mining entities accused of massive environmental degradation endangering communities.
“Environment sustainability must remain at the forefront of all mining operations, to minimise the negative effects of mining activities on our environment. On arrival, I noticed heaps and heaps of residue materials and pits. These must be reclaimed and strategies to realise value from the mountains of residue pursued, for the benefit of our people and economy,” said the President.
His Excellency also emphasised the importance of adhering to safety standards and workers welfare in mining projects, calling for harmony amongst stakeholders involved including the community and artisanal miners.
“Occupational safety and health should also be prioritised. The well-being of our miners is paramount, and I urge the management (here) to prioritise safety measures and ensure a healthy working environment. There must be harmony between the mine, the community and artisanal miners”
He said the development at Peerless Mine and the investment thereof, dovetails into the development agenda of the second republic.
“Since its inception, has always been about accelerated development, production, productivity and the realisation of economic prosperity and a higher quality of life for all the people of Zimbabwe. This agenda remains on course despite the climate change induced drought that we are currently experiencing in our country and indeed the SADC sub-region. It is fortunate that this commissioning ceremony of the Pickstone Peerless Mine Underground Mining Project is occurring a few days after the historic and unprecedented opening of our national vaults as well as launch of our country’s structured currency.”
The backing of our currency against our gold and strategic mineral reserves is reflective of the Second Republic’s determination to ensure that the resources of our motherland, Zimbabwe are leveraged to advance our quest to realise sustainable economic independence and sovereignty.
The investment by Peerless Mine amounting to over US$50 million to grow its mining operations adds to the massive growth being realised in the mining sector of the country. The sector has grown from an average of US$2.8 billion to the current levels of close to US$12 billion.