Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Polite Kambamura (MP), has issued a sharp warning against the appointment of unqualified foreign Mine Managers, the proliferation of dangerous tailings dams, and corruption within the mining inspectorate, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the Inspectors of Mines Workshop, the Minister revealed growing concern over foreign nationals assuming managerial positions without the requisite FBL (First Blasting Licence) or MBL (Mine Blasting Licence) – let alone proven competency in local mining law and safety practices.
“These days you are just appointing anyone. I have seen some Chinese being appointed as mine managers without proper qualifications,” Dr. Kambamura charged. He insisted that all mine managers, regardless of nationality, must be competent, locally certified, and fully accountable for safety outcomes.
The Minister also took aim at appalling physical standards across some operations. “Some tailings dams are nothing short of a disaster waiting to happen. Some open pits are completely unsecured; that is why our people are perishing. Go and close that nonsense,” he ordered inspectors.
On corruption, the Minister was unflinching: “An inspector who accepts a bribe to overlook a cracked tailings wall or a compromised ventilation system has signed a death warrant. Corruption will be treated as the blood crime that it is.”
To enforce standards, the Government has pledged USD 2 million for a National Safety Enforcement Blitz, alongside new district-level mining development officers, vehicles for inspectors, and a dedicated environment department within the Ministry. “We will give you the resources, but you must bite,” he said.
