High Court orders mining firm to halt sale of 503 ...

High Court orders mining firm to halt sale of 503 disputed granite blocks

By Nyashadzashe Ndoro

The High Court has granted an interim interdict in favour of Dragon Mining Syndicate (Pvt) Ltd against CRG Quarries (Pvt) Ltd in a dispute over mining rights.

The court ruled that CRG Quarries, its employees, and associates are prohibited from removing or disposing of granite blocks mined from Dragon Mining Syndicate's claims in Mutoko, Mashonaland East Mining Province.

The dispute revolves around 503 granite blocks mined by CRG Quarries, which Dragon Mining Syndicate claims were extracted from its registered mining claims. The Provincial Mining Director for Mashonaland East Province previously ruled in favor of Dragon Mining Syndicate.

Justice Maxwell Takuva granted the interdict, citing that Dragon Mining Syndicate had established a prima facie right to the granite blocks and that irreparable harm would occur if CRG Quarries continued to remove and sell the blocks.

CRG Quarries had argued that the application was not urgent and that Dragon Mining Syndicate had an alternative remedy in damages. However, the court found that damages would be inadequate and difficult to assess.

The interim order remains in effect until the final determination of the main case, HC 3813/23. The sheriff has been authorized to enforce the order with police assistance if necessary.

"The respondent, its employees and its invitees and all those acting through it be and are hereby interdicted from selling to any third parties, or in any way disposing of the mined granite blocks referred to in paragraph (1) above.

"The sheriff or his lawful deputy be and is hereby empowered and authorized to serve and enforce this order with the assistance of the Zimbabwe Republic police if need be," the judge ruled.