THE government has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of small-scale miners in Penhalonga, Manicaland province, a necessary initiative as the rainy season, a time notorious for increased mining fatalities and accidents, approaches.
In collaboration with the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), the Mines and Mining Development ministry organised a safety, health and environmental awareness workshop to educate miners on best practices.
The workshop was aimed at equipping miners with knowledge on hazard identification, risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Addressing the miners, mines inspector Shingirai Mzanenhamo emphasised the critical importance for training on safety and health issues.
“We cannot afford to lose lives due to preventable accidents.
“As we enter the rainy season, the risks increase and it is crucial that you, as small-scale miners, prioritise your safety and the safety of your colleagues,” Mzanenhamo said.
“You should be very careful on your operations under shafts and you should use recommended and correct equipment needed underground for you to be safe.
“You must not destroy support pillars underground because those pillars are important as they support the shafts. Once they are destroyed, the shaft will collapse.”
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Mzanenhamo also warned the miners to be extra cautious when using substances and chemicals like cyanide and mercury highlighting the common causes of mining accidents, including inadequate training, poor equipment maintenance and disregard for safety protocols.
ZMF provincial chairperson for Manicaland, Judith Shadaya echoed Mzanenhamo’s sentiments.
“Safety and health issues in mining operations are critical. We must work together to ensure that our members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate safely,” she said.
“We welcome this training workshop because many accidents happen during the rainy season. This is important for miners to take note. The safety and health of any miner should be a ringing tone in the ears of our mining businesses.”
Betterbrands manager Alexio Guyo called on the miners to embrace government’s calls for safety in mining operations.
“We have seen too many lives being lost due to negligence and complacency. It is time for us to take responsibility for our own safety and the safety of those around us,” he said.
Centre for Research and Development director James Mupfumi, however, challenged the government to ensure accountability in Penhalonga following rising numbers of deaths due to accidents.
“There is need to immediately terminate corrupt, lawless and deadly open pit mining at Redwing Mine. Government must institute an inquiry into mining activities in Penhalonga that have resulted in asset stripping at Redwing Mine and the loss of lives of this magnitude,” he said.
“By empowering small-scale miners with knowledge and skills, the Mines ministry must create a culture of safety and responsibility in the mining sector. As the rainy season approaches, it is clear that safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Mupfumi stressed that by working together, the small-scale miners, government agencies and industry stakeholders can ensure a safer, healthier, and more environmentally conscious mining sector.
