A RECENT underground explosion at a coal mine operated by Chinese firm Zhong Jian has intensified concerns over environmental and health impacts of Zimbabwe’s reliance on fossil fuel, the Zimbabwe Independent can report.
Zhong Jian’s open-cast mine in Hwange, which saw a fire ignited by strong winds and idle coal stockpiles, has brought attention to the environmental hazards of open coal storage and abandoned tunnels.
According to Matabeleland North provincial mining director Farayi Ngulube, stockpiled coal has been sitting exposed for months, smouldering slowly due to prolonged inactivity. When high winds swept through the area, flames erupted, requiring urgent intervention by Zhong Jian to contain the fire by burying the coal in soil and regularly dousing it with water.
“There are a lot of stockpiles right now on different mines, including this one, which have been sitting there for some months because ZPC is the only market for thermal coal,” Ngulube said.
“So, they do not supply continuously, they supply in turns whenever there is space at ZPC, so, it's been exposed there for more than a month, waiting to be lifted, to be taken out, and has been smouldering slowly, just like any other exposed stockpile of coal.
“On a particular day, there was a lot of wind, and then a flame started because of too much wind, that is the report we have.”
Keep Reading
- Title rivals face tough weekend
- DeMbare, FC Platinum fight for Chibuku Cup
- MRP petitions prison services over jailed members
- Hwange on verge of PSL return
He added that: “As a result, the fire was extinguished, and water will continue to be poured to keep the material wet, reducing the likelihood of a fire”.
Local residents, however, say the problem runs deeper.
A source, who asked not to be named, from Lusumbami Village, situated above disused mining tunnels now tapped by Zhong Jian, warned of a looming catastrophe.
“A catastrophic situation is unfolding in Lusumbami Village (Number 5) with the community on the brink of disaster due to underground fires raging in abandoned mine tunnels, now being exploited by a Chinese company,” he said.
“Colliery ceased mining years ago, but the Chinese firm has been allowed to extract coal from supporting pillars, compromising the structural integrity.
“Lusumbami Village sits directly above these tunnels. The situation is dire; we call for interventions to protect our lives that are at the risk of toxic gases (methane) and smoke inhalation, unpredictable fires spreading and irreversible environmental damage,” the source said.
“We call for a comprehensive risk assessment and safety measures, transparency and regular updates, compensation for affected residents and long-term solutions to prevent future disasters.”
Justice Chinhema, general secretary of the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union, expressed grave concern over the incident. He warned that, without action, the country could face another Kamandama-scale disaster and called for an immediate halt to mining in the region until long-term solutions are in place.
The incident at Kamandama occurred in 1972, claiming over 400 lives due to underground explosions at the Wankie (now Hwange) Colliery Company.
“As a union, we are worried because this can be a disaster and we risk having another Kamandama if prompt measures are not taken to stop the mining in such areas,” he said.
“We are also worried about the safety and health of people living around the area. We are asking authorities, including Hwange Colliery Company to take steps to address this pending disaster, maybe to immediately stop the mining until a final solution to the fires is found.”
When approached, Zhong Jian human resources manager Sibongile Mhindu denied any reports of fires on company premises, maintaining that the company adheres to safety and environmental standards.
“Which area is having fire, in our premises there is no fire. Zhong Jian is a law-abiding company that takes serious concern over its employees and is committed to ensuring a harmonious utilisation of the natural resources to help achieve sustainable goals for the greater good,” she said.
Community members, however, are not reassured. They are demanding a robust response from authorities, including regular updates, thorough safety assessments, and compensation for those affected by the underground fires and pollution.
As pressure mounts, Zimbabwe’s coal industry finds itself under scrutiny, with calls for immediate action to protect both the environment and vulnerable communities in Hwange.
The fire incident follows earlier reports by the Independent about the severe air pollution generated by Hwange Thermal Power Station.The plant’s six oldest units, constructed before the country’s independence, operate without sulfur dioxide reduction systems, exposing nearby communities to harmful pollutants.
In response, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) is relocating 500 households from a 600-metre radius around the plant and has pledged to build a new residential area in Empumalanga to mitigate the impact of pollution. Hwange has abundant coal reserves, which are largely used for power generation and coke manufacture.
Only units 7 and 8, jointly run by ZPC and Sino Hydro, are supported by flue gas desulphurisation technology to curb sulfur dioxide emissions.
“Units 1-6 of the Hwange Power Station, built between 1973 and 1987, were designed without sulphur dioxide reduction technology,” the organisation said in response to the Independent questions.
“Meanwhile, in the short term, the Zimbabwe Power Company is relocating residents within a 600-metre radius of the power station in order to reduce the pollution's impact on them.
“The long-term solution is the ongoing development of a new residential area in Empumalanga.”