Ministry of Mines invites Manicaland Miners for a Safety, Health, and Environmental Awareness Campaign
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is launching a week-long Safety, Health, and Environmental Awareness Campaign aimed at Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) in Manicaland Province, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The campaign, running from November 4th (Monday) to 8th (Friday), 2024, is designed to educate miners on safe and sustainable mining practices.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address safety concerns and environmental challenges within the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector.
Led by Provincial Mining Director Sibongile Mpindiwa, the campaign will reach several mining districts, including Penhalonga, Odzi, Chimanimani, Nyanga, and Headlands.
Judith Shadaya, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) in Manicaland, emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating, “This initiative is essential for improving safety and environmental standards in our sector. Educating miners is key to reducing accidents, protecting our environment, and fostering sustainable community development.”
A major focus of the campaign is improving safety in the ASM sector, where accidents and unsafe practices have been significant concerns.
Organizations like the Mine Ventilation Society of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Mining Safety and Health Council (ZIMSHEC), and the Zimbabwe Institute of Rock Engineering (ZINIRE) have all offered solutions to promote safer mining practices. Their efforts include advocating for proper ventilation, rock engineering solutions, and safety training to reduce risks faced by miners.
The workshop will cover critical topics, including:
- Legal Compliance: Ensuring miners understand and comply with relevant regulations and permits.
- Safe Mining Practices: Emphasizing the use of proper equipment, risk management, and safety protocols.
- Environmental Sustainability: Encouraging miners to adopt eco-friendly practices that minimize environmental damage.
- Access to Financial Support: Informing miners about the Mining Industry Loan Fund (MILF) and how to access loans for operational improvements.
- Collective Action and Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the benefits of joining mining associations for networking and learning from industry experts.
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is encouraging miners to participate in the workshop to gain valuable insights and improve the safety and sustainability of their operations.
For further information, interested parties can contact Mining Engineer T. Chiramba at 0774 308 613.