Zimbabwe is set to participate in the upcoming International Mine Rescue (IMR) Global Competitions, hosted by Zambia in 2026, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Ryan Chigoche
The announcement was made by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CoMZ) at the recently concluded local Mine Rescue competitions, which were dominated by the host, Zimplats.
The International Mine Rescue (IMR) competition will feature over 20 participating countries, including the United States, Russia, and Colombia. These competitions are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of team members who would respond to a mine emergency. Contestants are required to solve a hypothetical problem under timed conditions, observed by judges according to complex rules.
David Matyanga, Mining Affairs Manager at the Chamber of Mines, emphasized the importance of the competition for the country’s representatives and urged industry stakeholders to support the teams attending this global event.
“It is our wish as the Chamber of Mines to participate in the games so that we can benchmark ourselves against global industry players. The Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe has already taken that on board, and the winners of this year’s local competition will be eligible to participate next year. We need the support of the Ministry, teams, and sponsors to ensure that the load is shared and that it’s lighter for the participating teams,” Matyanga said.
This year’s local competition, which concluded on Friday, saw Zimplats emerge as the winner across all categories.
Mine rescue competitions date back to the early 20th century, emerging from the growing awareness of mining hazards. Organized competitions began as a response to the need for enhanced safety measures in mining operations. In Zimbabwe, the Mine Rescue Association was established in the 1970s to coordinate rescue efforts and training nationwide. The association conducts regular training and drills to prepare teams for emergencies, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Typically, competitions involve simulated rescue scenarios where teams demonstrate their skills in a controlled environment. Participants are evaluated on various criteria, including problem-solving abilities, adherence to safety protocols, and overall performance during rescue operations. As the mining industry evolves, so do the challenges it faces. Modern mine rescue competitions reflect these changes, incorporating new technologies and techniques to address contemporary mining hazards.
Mine rescue competitions play a crucial role in enhancing safety and preparedness within the mining industry. These events sharpen rescue teams’ skills, allowing participants to practice essential techniques and learn effective responses to emergencies. This training is vital, as it can save lives during actual incidents. Additionally, competitions provide a platform for teams to benchmark their skills against national and international standards, raising the overall level of competency in the industry.
An emphasis on teamwork and coordination is another significant aspect of these competitions. Successful rescue operations rely heavily on effective collaboration and communication among team members.
The Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe has been operating since around 1973 and is tasked with coordinating mine rescue efforts across the country. Its activities are managed by the Mine Rescue Working Party, consisting of a chairman appointed by the Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe (AMMZ), zone coordinators, nationally trained personnel, a national coordinator, a representative from the Chamber of Mines, and a committee member.
The association is organized into four distinct zones. The North Zone includes Zimplats Mining, Freda Rebecca and Redwing Mine. The South Zone includes Unki, Renco Mine and Mimosa Mine. Finally, the West Zone consists of Blanket Mine, Hwange Colliery, and How Mine. This structured approach ensures effective coordination and response across various mining operations in the country.
Fresh air teams include Zimplats SMC, Shamva, Blanket Mine and Jena Mine.
