237 Miners died from mining accidents in 2023
Zimbabwe has witnessed a sharp increase in mine accidents, claiming the lives of at least 237 individuals in the year 2023.
This astronomical number is a stark contrast to the 139 fatalities recorded in the previous year, 2022, resulting from 121 mining accidents. The gravity of these figures cannot be understated, shedding light on the urgent need for improved mine safety regulations and increased resources to tackle the mounting issue.
Chief Government Mining Engineer (CGME) Michael Munodawafa, expressed concerns over the alarming rise in mine accidents. He attributed a significant portion of these incidents to unregistered mines operating without proper oversight. According to Eng Munodawafa, the authorities face considerable difficulties in curbing the activities of these illegal miners due to limited resources at their disposal.
“This figure (237 deaths) is scary. Most of the accidents occurred in unregistered mines, and we have a problem controlling these illegal miners because of a shortage of resources. Out of all the miners in the country, less than 50 percent are registered,” Munodawafa said.
This tragic situation serves as an urgent wake-up call for Zimbabwe to address the systemic issues that have allowed for such hazardous conditions to persist in its mining sector.
To effectively combat this escalating crisis, it is imperative for the Zimbabwean government to prioritize the regulation and oversight of the mining industry. This involves a concerted effort to crack down on unregistered mines and hold them accountable for their illegal activities. The allocation of adequate resources to mining authorities is essential, enabling them to perform their duties effectively and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols.
Furthermore, it is paramount to encourage and incentivize miners to register their operations. This can be achieved through targeted awareness campaigns, highlighting the benefits of compliance with mining regulations and the protection it offers to both miners and their communities. By increasing the number of registered miners, the authorities can gain better control over the industry and implement comprehensive safety measures to safeguard workers’ lives.
Collaboration between various stakeholders, including mining companies, trade unions, and civil society organizations, is crucial in creating a safe and sustainable mining sector. These entities must join forces to establish robust safety standards, regularly monitor workplaces, and provide training programs to enhance workers’ knowledge of potential hazards and how to mitigate them.
In an effort to prevent potential loss of lives and damage to mines, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development recently issued a stern warning to all miners, emphasizing the increased risks during the rainy season.
In a statement at the the Ministry’s Head Office in Harare, Minister Zhemu Soda specifically highlighted the dangers of flooding, weakened ground, and slimes dam breaches, which require miners to exercise caution and responsible mining practices.
He urged all miners, particularly artisanal miners, to be mindful of the potential hazards posed by heavy rainfall stating that the current weather conditions, characterized by torrential rainfall, have intensified these risks.
“We implore all miners to fully understand and take necessary precautions to prevent any loss of lives or damage to equipment and mines,” stated Soda.