EMA Blocks Murowa From Resuming Diamonds Exploration In Chivi
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has blocked plans by RZM Murowa, a diamond miner, to resume exploration for diamonds in the contentious Sese area of Chivi.
The agency told Murowa to get an additional Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the envisaged new scope of work, The Herald reported.
EMA told Murowa to engage local stakeholders, and get buy-in from locals before they resume exploring for diamonds.
Murowa said the resumption of exploration would entail digging a big pit to enable bulk sampling, an exercise that would take a month and result in noise and dust pollution in the area.
Murowa left its claims in Sese in a hurry in October 2021 after clashing with the Sese community who wanted the diamond miner out citing several issues including failure to engage them on the project.
The Sese community had also dragged Murowa to court and got an order for the company to decamp from Danhamombe High School in the area to allow locals led by businessman and Mashwede founder Mr Alex Mashamhanda to expand the school.
Murowa has since appealed against the decision at the Supreme Court and the matter is still pending.
The Sese community persistently protested the company’s presence staging a series of demonstrations while picketing drilling sites in the area.
The villagers cited President Mnangagwa who had said the Government wanted mining companies to respect the concerns of locals and get their buy-in before embarking on mining projects.
Murowa, via its General Manager Mr Jonathan Mapisaunga, wrote to Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, on 31 January this year, announcing plans to resume bulk sampling at the diamondiferous kimberlites in Sese.
EMA Masvingo provincial manager Mr Jonathan Muusha advised Murowa that the initial EMP does not include mitigatory measures for the effects of the new scope of works.
