‘Artisinal miners at risk of coronavirus’ 4 April 2020

Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has warned that artisinal miners are at a great risk of being affected by the coronavirus scourge that has claimed more than 40 000 lives globally. In a presentation made with a senior lecturer in International Development at the University of Edinbrugh, Sam Spiegel, ZMF chief executive Wellington Takavarasha said artisinal miners are at a huge risk of contracting the virus. “Everyone’s well-being is at stake here, everyone’s health will suffer as long as the virus spread multiplies. People with existing immune system conditions, lung disease and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can die from the virus,” Takavarasha said.

“Artisinal mining communities are likely to be among the seriously impacted populations, but paradoxically because the virus is wreaking havoc on all facets of the economy, artisinal mining is likely to continue to be a widespread survival and food security strategy despite the risks.” He said the decision to implement a lockdown must be weighed against the implication it will have on vulnerable groups. Government imposed a 21-day national lockdown which began on Monday this week to contain the virus.

“These areas are without hygeine, clean water or toilets. A mixture of bold general steps by national policymakers and very specific contextual steps are needed.” He said the increased awareness by government to artisinal miners would “reduce panic, prevent chaotic confusion, guard against undue fear and weave public health programming into the very fabric of current relationships”. This comes as the ZMF has written to government to apply for a reprieve so as to continue operations during the 21-day lockdown.