By Albert Mpofu
In a bid to reclaim control of the scandal-plagued Redwing Mine in Penhalonga, gold mining company Metallon Corporation has announced its plans to resume operations following the removal of the mine from corporate rescue. The Supreme Court had imposed the rescue measures in September of the previous year due to a series of issues plaguing the mine.
Redwing Mine has been marred by reports of plunder, smuggling, and illicit activities involving various stakeholders, including artisanal miners contracted by Prime Royal Mining (PRM), mine workers, local community buyers, unregistered millers, and even officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
During the corporate rescue period, Redwing Mine struck a deal with Prime Royal Mining, enlisting the services of over 1000 artisanal and small-scale miners to extract gold within the mine concession. Under the agreement, Redwing Mine and Prime Royal Mining were entitled to 30% each of the gold extracted, while the artisanal miners were promised 40% of the share. Prime Royal Mining also established a milling plant at the mine site to process the ore brought in by the artisanal miners.
However, amidst these operations, Betterbrands Mining Company, owned by prominent gold buyer Pedzisai Sakupwanya, made its presence known by acquiring 132 mining claims in the area. This move further complicated the already convoluted situation at Redwing Mine.
Metallon Corporation issued a statement clarifying that they had lost control and influence over the mine’s operations during the corporate rescue period. They claimed that illegal mining activities had taken over, leading to unsafe practices, imprudent commercial decisions, and a disregard for basic safety measures. Consequently, these lapses resulted in avoidable injuries, fatalities, and substantial economic losses. Metallon firmly denied any responsibility for the improper mining activities that occurred at Redwing Mine.
In light of these developments, Metallon is now preparing to take immediate action to revive Redwing Mine and its other operations. Their primary focus is to restore safe and formalized mining practices, ensuring the wellbeing of workers and the sustainable growth of the national economy. Metallon’s announcement comes as a glimmer of hope for the future of Redwing Mine, as the company pledges to address the challenges head-on and restore the mine’s tarnished reputation
