The State Representation Services in Manica province have provisionally suspended the provincial director of infrastructure, António Machivique, as part of an investigation into mining-related activities in the province. The measure comes amid ongoing complaints of illegal exploitation and non-compliance with government-imposed restrictions.
The legal advisor of the institution led by the Secretary of State, Lourenço Sitole, explained that “this is a normal administrative act,” through which the State seeks to clarify “certain details about what may actually be happening in the mining sector.”
According to sources close to the process, cited by the newspaper Domingo, António Machivique is alleged to have authorised several mining companies to resume gold extraction operations in the area known as “Seis Carros,” in the Vanduzi district, as well as in other areas of Manica district.
The same sources indicated that the authorisations were allegedly issued in violation of the Council of Ministers decree that ordered the suspension of mining activities in the province. The allegations also include the possible issuance of licences beyond the legal powers of the provincial director.
“We proceeded with his preventive suspension to allow the State to understand what has been happening in the mining sector in Manica province in recent days,” said Lourenço Sitole. Although he avoided commenting directly on the case, he noted that “we have witnessed the recurrence of activities, some of which are prohibited under Decree No. 32/2025 of 30 September.” The legal instrument ordered the immediate suspension of all mining activity in the province.
According to the same decree, the halt in operations was motivated by serious environmental impacts and river pollution caused by mining activities in various areas of Manica province.
Lourenço Sitole reiterated that the suspension is temporary and aims to allow the State to establish the material truth. “This cannot be hidden. We all know what is happening in the ‘Seis Carros’ area. We need to understand what is really happening and how the situation can be resolved,” he concluded.
Source: Diário Económico
