MINISTER CONFIRMS ILLEGAL GOLD MINING ACTIVITIES IN METU, MOYO DISTRICT

Minister of state for energy and mineral development Phiona Nyamutoro (Middle) talking to state minister for primary education Dr Moriku Joyce Kaduchu about the illegal gold mining activity.

By Stephen Unzimai

Moyo

The minister of state for energy and mineral development Hon Phiona Nyamutoro confirms there is an illegal mining activities taking place in Moyo district.

In her visit to Moyo district on Wednesday March 26, 2025 at the site, Minister Nyamutoro accused Linsek Holdings Company and communities of carrying out illegal mining at the two sites of Padiga and Arapi village.

“I want to categorically say that there are two culprits in this matter that is Linsek holding company limited and the local people of the two villages who are all involved in the gold mining,” Hon Nyamutoro confirmed.

Mr. Madrara Joseph the chairperson Metu community mineral development association only faulted Linsek holding company for the out illegal mining.

“Linsek holding company limited is actually doing mining and they cover themselves under exploration license, no payment of some workers up to now even that watchman at work is not paid.” Mr. Madrara said.

Minister of state for energy and mineral development Phiona Nyamutoro
and stakeholders observing the pit dug where the mining takes place.
 
Chief Avuku Simon Kutulungu III of Metu-li chiefdom explains the cause of illegal mining accusations as lack of monitoring by the ministry.

“I expected you to come here at earlier stage, now this people have stayed here for almost one year. They were mining using exploration license. The government is losing revenue, we have lost revenue, now you come after crises that was wrong, you should have come here immediately and keep on checking their work.” Chief Kutulungu III explained.

Linsek holding Company limited has been licensed by the ministry of energy and mineral development for mineral exploration only with its contract running for four years effective March 11, 2024.

Mr. Tito Daglous Kigundu the director of Linsek holding Company apologized for bridging its contract. “I really apologize for all the mistakes I might have committed, I commit myself before you and before God that it will never happened again.” Mr. Kigundu apologized.
 

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