By Rungano Dzikira

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has challenged members of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) to forward a list of corrupt officials in the Mines and Mining Development Ministry as government seeks to ruthlessly weed them out to achieve the set target of a 12 billion mining economy by 2023.

Officiating at the ZMF conference in Gweru this Wednesday, President Mnangagwa told delegates that reports of corruption in the allocation of mining claims were unsettling.

“Henrietta Rushwaya raised the issue of corruption within the Mining Ministry. We want the list of the corrupt so they can be dismissed.

“There was also talk of corruption in the system by the Minister (Chitando), we don't want corruption. Let those who apply for mining claims get them without paying a bribe. By 2023, we want a 12 billion mining economy. As government, we need small scale miners to achieve this.”

President Mnangagwa has maintained a hardline stance on corruption since he came into power insisting that Government has lost millions to the cancerous vice. Since his ascent to power, President Mnangagwa has appointed a seven member anti-corruption committee in the Office of the President and Cabinet as well as according arresting powers to the Zimbabwe Anti- Corruption body.

Still speaking at the same junction, President Mnangagwa said Government was working on renewing mining maps.

“Rushwaya also raised the issue of companies whose claims were repossessed under new dispensation, and there are many such mining claims which are yet to be repossessed under use it or lose it policy. Mining maps are also very old and need to be crafted again,” he added.

Responding to issues raised on heavy taxation, President Mnangagwa assured that Government would also “look into these and see how we can synchronize and rationalize these laws.”

Mining contribute 13 percent of the national GDP. Small scale miners also contribute 60 percent of the country’s exports.