Afrochine cited Earthlink and Mines minister Winston
Chitando, who it challenged to tell the court the truth regarding ownership of
the controversial mining site.
The Zimbabwe chrome smelting giant has been accused of
looting minerals from a protected area, damaging the main padlock at
Mavuradonha Wilderness to gain entry and moving its excavators and other heavy
machinery.
The Mavhuradonha Wilderness is a 600-square kilometre
wildlife resort and has been maintained in its natural state since 1988 when
the government designated it a protected area under the Communal Lands Act.
This ensured its protection from mining, agriculture and
any other activities. However, Afrochine has maintained that it is the rightful
owner of the resort, but denied allegations of engaging in mining activities as
reported.
The Chinese firm is seeking an order barring Earthlink from
mining chrome in the wilderness and that it be declared the rightful owner of
the claim.
Afrochine said Earthlink and Chitando should clarify that
the mining company did not carry out any mining operations.
The company said it only discovered that Earthlink was
mining on its claim on July 24 this year.
The mining company said EarthLink’s actions impacted
negatively on the environment as well as on their reputation as the media
widely reported that Afrochine was responsible for the damage.
In his founding affidavit filed on behalf of the company,
Qedisani Mlambo said Afrochine was still assessing the impact of mining on the
environment.
“What is disturbing to the applicant is that the respondent
purported to be Afrochine Smelting and they gained access to the wilderness
reserve without proper consultation with the local leadership,” Mlambo said.
He accused Earthlink of causing serious environmental
degradation and disturbing wildlife.
“This is a clear case of mistaken identity where
Earthlink’s actions are attributed to the applicant because the mining location
in question is owned by the applicant.”
Mlambo complained that Earthlink had apparently done
nothing to dissociate itself from the applicant when allegations of
unsustainable and harmful mining arose.
Afrochine says it has a legal right to chrome in the
location and the actions of the respondents are prejudicial to the company’s
legitimate mining rights and business in general. Newsday
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