Mutoko, Zimbabwe | Growing calls for a high-level investigation into Pulserate Lithium (Pvt) Ltd have intensified following explosive allegations that the mining firm used “dirty tactics” and the names of senior government officials to illegally acquire lithium-rich claims in the Makosa area of Mutoko.
The deepening controversy has prompted a concerned resident to petition the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), demanding a full-scale probe into how the company allegedly circumvented mining regulations to elbow out legitimate claim holders.
Allegations of Fraud and ‘Name-Dropping’
At the heart of the dispute is the Good Days Mine, owned by Barrington Resources. According to documents, Pulserate initially attempted to purchase the claims in 2022. When Barrington flatly rejected the offer, Pulserate—represented by a Mr. Michael Manyere—allegedly shifted strategy.
Instead of walking away, Pulserate is accused of asserting ownership through a “questionable” confirmation letter issued by the Marondera Provincial Mining Office on April 21, 2022.
“The letter was issued on the same day the request was made, without any physical verification of the ground as is standard practice,” the complainant stated.
The resident further alleges that Pulserate avoided legal scrutiny by repeatedly claiming they were under the protection or “advice” of high-ranking government offices. This “name-dropping” reportedly paralyzed the Provincial Mining Director, who felt unable to make a determination in the face of such purported political backing.
Manipulated Coordinates and Shadowy Court Orders
The fallout from the dispute suggests a sophisticated attempt to manipulate official records. Investigations into the docket reveal that coordinates were shifted by as much as 500 to 600 meters, creating an artificial overlap that allowed Pulserate to encroach on Barrington’s long-established claims.
“A closer inspection of the docket reveals blatant alteration of official records,” Barrington noted in a statement. They argue that Pulserate used these altered records to secure court orders under false pretenses, effectively “sanitizing” the illegal takeover through the judiciary.
Efforts to resolve the matter amicably have been systematically frustrated. Pulserate reportedly snubbed three separate dispute resolution sittings organized by the Ministry of Mines, claiming they would not subject themselves to a provincial process.
A Threat to Zimbabwe’s Mining Integrity
The resident’s letter to ZACC warns that the conduct of Pulserate Lithium poses a systemic risk to the Zimbabwean economy and the rule of law.
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Investor Confidence: The use of political “clout” to bypass law scares away serious investors who require certainty of title.
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Institutional Paralysis: Mentioning senior offices to bypass provincial mining protocols undermines the mandate of the Ministry of Mines.
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Economic Impact: The lithium sector is a pillar of Zimbabwe’s $12 billion mining industry vision; corruption in this sector threatens national targets.
Calls for Urgent Action
“This kind of conduct sets a dangerous example where the mere mention of senior offices is used to paralyze institutions,” the complaint reads.
Stakeholders are now calling on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to immediately rescind the controversial April 2022 letter and conduct a transparent verification of the ground coordinates.
As the spotlight turns to ZACC, the mining industry awaits to see if the “New Dispensation’s” commitment to the rule of law will hold firm against those accused of hiding behind the names of the powerful to facilitate corporate theft.