The villagers of Umzingwane have slammed artisanal miners commonly referred to as Makorokoza of invading their villages and posing serious health risks to the community.
Mzinyathini District 3 village development coordinator David Mpofu reportedly said villagers were concerned about the growing number of artisanal miners making claims in the area.
According to reports some of the artisinal miners in Umzingwane came from places as far away as Masvingo.
“We have people who come to our community claiming that they have registered their mines near the villages. We know that such an initiative requires the approval of village chiefs. What worries us is that in eSikhoveni, near Bambanani, a mine has been fortified in other villages.
“The owner stamped the mill and there are rumors that he inherited the mine from his father. Miners should consider the negative impact mining has on local populations, especially when conducted near their settlements,” Mpofu said.
In December last year, residents of Pumula in Bulawayo expressed concern about a Chinese company, Haulin Quary, operating rock blasting quarries in their neighborhood.
The mining activities by these Chinese companies reportedly caused their homes to crack.
