The Sunday News
Sione Amidu, Sunday News Reporter
AT least 12 000 small-scale miners people from Matabeleland South Province have benefited from Farvic Consolidated Mine’s tribute system after the mining giant allocated them more than 80 mining claims.
The mine director, Mr Filimoni Sibanda, said the mine, situated near West Nicholson, has been doing projects at the claims but have now opted to give away some claims to local communities as tributes.
Most beneficiaries are from Gwanda District.
“Due to our dry region we then planned to give away 80 plus tributes to the local communities. This started in 2013 and as of now we have around 12 000 people benefiting from it.
We give these claims to everyone regardless of where they come from though our priority lies with local communities.
The claims are under our licence, we give them a tribute which goes to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development for approval under the standard tribute approval which the miners will then work under the Mines and Mineral Act and compliance with Environmental Management Authority,” he said.
One the beneficiaries, Mr Thulani Moyo, the manager of Sibambane Syndicate, said the mine has been giving people empowerment projects which were helping to alleviate poverty.
“As Sibambane tribute holders and beneficiaries we are very grateful to Farvic for their empowerment projects and the good work within the Communities Tributes.
We have over 2 000 families that are benefiting within Sibambene project at West Nicholson Mixnote (A) Mine which was awarded to us by Farvic Mine and social responsibility within Collen Bawn and West Nicholson community.
Some of the beneficiaries are taking their children to school, building houses, shops and more as they are making a living through these tributes.”
