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NewsDay

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Diamond miners down tools

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AT least 400 workers at Jinan Mining (Private) Limited, one of the diamond mining companies in Chiadzwa, have downed tools in protest over non-payment of salaries among other grievances.

AT least 400 workers at Jinan Mining (Private) Limited, one of the diamond mining companies in Chiadzwa, have downed tools in protest over non-payment of salaries among other grievances.

BY OBEY MANAYITI

Workers’ representative at the mine Francis Matinyarare confirmed the job action that began on Tuesday.

“It’s true, we are having some challenges here and I hope everything will be sorted out soon,” Matinyarare said.

Workers who have downed tools include those from the departments of exploration, power and equipment, plant, engineering and sorting which effectively grounds mining activities.

Some workers who spoke to NewsDay said they last received their salaries in July. They were also protesting over the poor quality of food served at the mine.

“The last time we received our salaries was in July. The least paid worker gets about $280 and the company is failing to pay those small amounts,” said another worker who preferred anonymity.

“They keep promising us that we will be paid soon, but as it stands, the officials are making a lot of unfulfilled promises. We cannot take it anymore,” the worker said.

An official at the mine only identified as Mr Fang confirmed the development and said everything would be sorted out by weekend.

“I hope it will be sorted out by weekend. Management is negotiating with workers and we hope to conclude that by weekend,” the official said.

Other mine managers flatly refused to comment over the matter.

The diamond mining company is reportedly deducting $60 from each worker for food.

However, the workers allege that the food is of poor quality, mostly mackerel fish, beans and cabbage, which they argue is not commensurate with the money being deducted.

In March this year, Jinan Mining (Private) Limited clashed with villagers in Marange after the mining company refused to pay compensation for the graves it disturbed while carrying out mining activities.

Up to now the villagers were demanding compensation and proper exhumation of their relatives’ remains, accusing the company of disrespecting their culture.