Chinese black granite mining company operating in Mutoko has threatened to take legal action against the media for exposing its operations, after it was reported to have displaced some villagers in the district.Jinding Mining Company said it did not displace any families, but gave each affected household US$2 500.It went on to dismiss the media reports on its operations as malicious and groundless allegations.Black granite mining is a lucrative business and the stone is exported mainly to Europe.“There is a malicious and false accusation currently being circulated to the effect that Jinding has not properly compensated two Mutoko families for relocating those families from the Jinding mining claims there,” the company said in a statement this week.“As for the so-called relocation of 50 households, it is even more rumors and slander. The fact is that the mining project only involves the relocation of three families.”Jinding stated the compensation was a consensus between the company and the affected relocated families and all this was done with the consent of local community leaders.“Jinding Mining has the requisite license, EMA (Environmental Management Agency) certificate, and community consent for quarry mining. Relocated families are compensated to their satisfaction; the agreement was signed in the presence of the local councilor, chief, and village representatives. Legal actions are underway to stop false stories.“These accusations are completely groundless. Jinding has all the relocation contracts and payment proof of proper compensation for the two families relocated by Jinding arising out of its mining operations.
