Mining experts and government officials from the District Administrator’s office visited the farm recently and notified the occupants, but those affected told The Zimbabwean that they would not move an inch from their plots and would rather mine the precious mineral themselves .

“We already have offer letters,” said one of the war veterans. Tantalite is a heavy black mineral which is mostly used in the electronics industry. It is used for the manufacture of electronic capacitors for cell phones and laptop computer chips.

 

The Provincial Affairs Minister for Masvingo, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti, has been roped into the saga with the war veterans alleging that the company that has already started pegging mining claims in the area belongs to the him.

They allege that minister is trying to use his political office to move them off the land.

Bhasikiti demanded written questions before responding, while the Masvingo DA James Mazvidza confirmed the meeting and referred all questions to the ministry of mines.

Masvingo North legislator and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Davis Marapira said the war veterans should be given first preference to mine the tantalite. Yotam Farm was the first to be invaded by war veterans in Masvingo province during the 2000 land grab.