Tsholotsho RDC to regularise mining company

THE Tsholotsho Rural District Council is set to regularise its gold mining company after engaging artisanal miners prospecting for the precious mineral.

In an interview recently, Tsholotsho RDC chairperson Rophas Ndlovu told Southern Eye that there was a mine named Canister located in ward 20 with four artisanal miners having prospecting licences.

A Russian top diamond producer Alrosa Mining recently contracted Titan Drilling International to conduct exploration for gold and diamonds in Tsholotsho.

Results of the exploration are, however, yet to be determined following the submission of samples for laboratory testing.

“We have one mine and four artisanal miners who pay development levies as they are still at prospecting status, they possess prospecting licences.

“Council recently engaged them and we are currently in the process of regularising their papers with council as they are currently registered with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development as prospectors,” Ndlovu said.

Meanwhile, council said its work with Campfire has resulted in life-changing programmes which include infrastructural development such as schools, boreholes and clinics, among others.

Indications are that there was a high rate of human-wildlife conflict in the area due to a boom in the wildlife tourism.