AS THE push to take majority stakes in Zimbabwe’s foreign- owned mines broadens, Zimbabwe’s indigenisation minister on Friday cancelled the operating licence of Blanket mine, the country’s most successful gold mine, wholly owned by Canada’s Caledonia Mining.

Blanket mine, in Gwanda, continued operation on Friday but reports said that Youth Develop- ment, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere withdrew the operating licence.

 He says there are at least 39 mine licences under scrutiny.

 rder makes Blanket the first victim of President Robert Mugabe’s bid to force foreigners to give up shares to the state. Foreign mine owners have until September 30 to submit plans to Mr Kasukuwere showing how they will cede 51% ownership to black Zimbabweans.

 The indigenisation ministry and Caledonia Mining issued a joint statement last week saying they had met and "agreed on a process", but by Friday the licence had been revoked by the minister. Reports said the mine had threatened to sue the government, arguing that he had "exceeded his legal powers".

 The Mail & Guardian quoted Alexander Mhembere , CE of Impala Platinum-owned Zimplats, as saying there was big appetite for mine stakes among the business and political elite.

By Staff reporter and agencies