‘Zimbabwe's plague of mine deaths exposes need for efficient rescue mechanisms’ 10 December 2020

Zimbabwe has been plagued with mine disasters over the last few months, often resulting in death of scores of miners. Most of the mine accidents have occurred at illegally run disused mines, with a few happening at legally-run small scale mines. Since September, the country has witnessed a series of fatal accidents that have occurred mainly at abandoned gold mines around the country, with more than a dozen people still trapped underground and unlikely to be retrieved alive. The Parliament of Zimbabwe on Wednesday made a passionate plea to the Mines Minister Winston Chitando to ensure that all the trapped miners are retrieved and accorded a decent burial.

…The minister underscored the need for orderly mining in the country, saying this will go a long way in preventing mine accidents. "Adequate, regular inspections are one of the critical things that we need to ensure that we mitigate against the accidents. According to the law, inspections at mining concessions should be done at least four times per annum. The frequency will then increase where inspectors feel it is necessary," he said. Owners of disused mines should also ensure protection of the mines to minimize invasion by illegal miners. The minister said his ministry will hold a workshop with various stakeholders next January to discuss ways of mitigating against the accidents.

…Committee chairperson Edmond Mkaratigwa said the increasing number of mine accidents and the "premature" stoppage of rescue efforts was disheartening. "Each accident has its own causes, geology and in terms of safety it's unique to itself. So minister we appeal for your intervention. We empathize with the bereaved families and we want to see the bodies excavated," said Mkaratigwa, who together with members of his committee, visited Esigodini mine days after abandonment of rescue operations. "We want equipment and resources mobilized to get the trapped bodies retrieved. It's a disappointing show of lack of compassion."