The Government has revoked the operating licence of a gold mining company that was carrying out gold leaching activities close to the newly constructed US$600,000 Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe.
The cancellation takes immediate effect.
The move comes after concerns from parents, community leaders and education stakeholders over the risks posed by unregulated mining operations adjacent to the school.
Fears have been raised that such activities could endanger the safety of pupils and staff.
Mining has long been a problem in the area. A classroom block at the old Globe and Phoenix Primary School once collapsed as a result of illegal mining tunnels dug underneath the premises.
The new school, which was built to provide a safe learning environment, consists of seven classroom blocks, an administration block, modern ablution facilities, and provisions to cater for children with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Kwekwe District Development Co-ordinator, Fortunate Mpungu, dismissed reports suggesting that illegal mining activities were taking place near the new school. He said:
“There is no illegal mining there. In fact, there was a miner conducting gold leaching nearby, but his licence was cancelled and he will be relocating soon. The Office of the Minister of State is seized with the matter.”
Presidential Special Advisor on Monitoring Government Programmes and Projects, Jorum Gumbo, has called on the Government to move with urgency in introducing regulations to tackle illicit mining activities, stressing that decisive action is needed to safeguard communities and the environment.
His remarks come in the wake of the challenges faced by the Globe and Phoenix Primary School, which was decommissioned in 2023 after illegal mining compromised its infrastructure.
Despite the disruption, efforts have been made to ensure learning continues for the more than 1,300 pupils, who are temporarily housed at Russell Primary School grounds.
More: Chronicle
Pindula WhatsApp Channel
Facebook Page
Leave a Reply