Zimbabwe is recording far too many mine deaths, especially in the small scale mining sector and it is high time that the authorities enforce regulations to preserve lives.
Last week, the country woke up to disturbing news that 11 artisanal miners were feared dead after a mine shaft at Redwing Mine in Manicaland collapsed.
Mines minister Zhemu Soda said it was suspected that the miners were trapped about 20 metres below the surface at a shaft that was controlled by some individuals.
Metallion Corporation, which owns Redwing Mine, is said to have leased the affected tribute to other players.
Soda said the rescue mission was complicated by the fact that the ground was cracking and continued to curve in.
As of lunchtime yesterday, the rescue teams were still battling to locate the trapped miners.
The Redwing Mine disaster is by no means an isolated incident. In October last year, 10 illegal gold miners died at the disused Bay Horse Mine after a shaft collapsed.
Around 42 artisanal miners were rescued in a complicated mission that went on for several days.
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Acccording to the State of Mining Industry Survey 2023 by the Chamber of Mines, 110 deaths were recorded during the period between January and September last year.
About 92% of the accidents during the period under review occurred underground, with large-scale operations contributing 18% to the total number of accidents, the report said.
There is a strong possibility that a big number of deaths in the informal mining sector are not accounted for.
The situation demands urgent action from the authorities, who must start by strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcing the existing stringent safety standards across the mining sector without fear or favour.
To prevent accidents, the Mines ministry and other relevant stakeholders must conduct regular inspections and ensure that all miners adhere to the necessary protocols.
A lot of factors such as the poor economic situation and harsh laws have curtailed labour unions and worker representatives from effectively advocating for the rights and safety of mine workers.
The authorities must do more to enhance the capacity of unions and worker representatives to advocate for safer working environments.
There is no doubt that the increased involvement of politically connected persons in the informal mining sector has contributed to the high number of fatal accidents as some use their connections to circumvent regulations.
Such lawlessness must be nipped in the bud to protect vulnerable people who are bearing the brunt of the numerous mine accidents.
