Dated 08/02/2022
For immediate release:
Reference is made to our statement dated 18/11/2021 in which MAYA commented on the Freestone Quarry Mining issue. In that statement, MAYA stated that as an organization, it was not agitating for or against the proposed quarry mining project at Dangamvura mountain. In the statement, MAYA further reiterated that without objective information from Freestone Mining company, City of Mutare, EMA and the Ministry of Mines from which we could draw conclusions we could not honestly take a position.
In order to obtain some objective information on the proposed mining venture, which we are fully aware has raised conflicting but interesting narratives for or against the mining activity, MAYA managed to engage with the two major stakeholders namely City of Mutare and Freestone Mining company on Monday 7th February 2021 in Sakubva. Freestone was represented by its Director Mr Qi and Dr Chipangura while CoM was represented by His Worship the Mayor Clr Tandi. Access to timeous, relevant and appropriate information is critical in decision making and this has been one of the obstacles that affected this mining venture. There was just not enough objective information available to stakeholders as Freestone and the local authority played the cards close to their chests. Opaqueness breeds mistrust which never adds value to such important processes.
We compliment CoM and Freestone for positively responding to our call for dialogue out of which resulted in the meeting alluded to. MAYA through this minute reiterates its standing position that it will always support sustainable investments in Mutare as long as they benefit the city and its people. We also expect the investors to abide by the laws of the land and respecting local customs and traditions.
We hope that the benefits that will accrue from the investment on Dangamvura Mountain, which is a treasure of all Mutareans will be shared among residents at large and not among the few chosen ones. The investment should be a source of wealth and not a curse for the people. Consequently, regarding the Dangamvura mountain quarry mining venture by Freestone Mining, we have the following expectations:
- Production of a proper Environmental management plan which include but not limited to (a)reclamation of mined areas to avoid danger and preserve the aesthetic image of the area
(b) Minimise noise pollution expected to come from the mining venture
(c) Minimise dust pollution
(d) The company must minimise or avoid use of dynamite which may cause vibrations that may affect buildings around the area.
(e) Protect the fauna and flora in the surrounding environment
(f) Guarantee the safety of the water tanks and pipes situated close to this mining venture.
- Job Creation for youths and residents
- Follow minimum labour standards set out in the Labour Relations Act
- Invest in the communities through corporate social responsibility
We further implore the duty bearers in this case, City of Mutare, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and Ministry of Mines to exercise their oversight roles transparently as well as making sure that all due processes are followed. MAYA is alive to the fact that Freestone Mining may have legally met its side of the bargain in terms of paperwork, but then there is a deficit in social account which they need to work on in order to fully win the hearts and soul of multiple stakeholders with vested interest in the matter. This will be achieved through continuous dialogue with all stakeholders.
This statement is a MAYA position and is issued without prejudice to its interests or those of others who may hold contrasting positions to ours.
ENDS!
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