By Staff Reporter
A controversial Sitting of Works Plan linked to Botha Mine has suffered a major setback after the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development ordered the removal of all infrastructure erected on Mining Lease 21 without valid approval.
The directive follows a formal complaint lodged by Freda Rebecca Gold Mine Limited, a division of Mutapa Gold Resources (Private) Limited, which is the registered holder of Mining Lease 21.
In a letter addressed to the Mining Commissioner, Freda Rebecca Gold Mine accused Side Electricals (Private) Limited of unlawfully erecting infrastructure on the mining lease after the withdrawal of the Sitting of Works Plan.
“Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, a division of Mutapa Gold Resources (Private) Limited, the registered holder of Mining Lease 21, hereby makes application to the Mining Commissioner for the removal of infrastructure erected by Side Electricals (Private) Limited on Mining Lease 21 without a valid approved Sitting of Works Plan,” the company said in its submission.
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development responded through a letter dated May 20, confirming that it was handling the dispute and outlining the legal implications of the unauthorized developments.
“This office is seized with a complaint from Freda Rebecca Gold Mine Limited, holder of Mining Lease 21, regarding infrastructure erected by Side Electrical (Private) Limited on the said mining lease,” the ministry said.
The ministry cited Section 237(5) of the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05], which provides that any works erected without an approved Sitting of Works Plan are deemed unlawful and subject to removal.
Authorities subsequently ordered Side Electricals to remove all infrastructure constructed outside the registered position of Botha 1-4 Registration Numbers 46035-46038, covering a total area of 31 hectares.
The ministry further instructed the company to restore the affected land to its original state within 14 days of receiving the order.
“You are hereby ordered to remove all infrastructure erected outside registration position of Botha 1-4 registration number 46035-46038 occupying a total area of 31 hectares and restore the affected land into its original state,” the letter reads in part.
The ministry warned that failure to comply would constitute an offence under Section 240(2) of the Mines and Minerals Act and could result in prosecution.
It also noted that upon conviction, authorities may authorize the lawful occupier of the land to remove the structures and recover associated costs from Side Electricals.
