Preparations are complete for the Mine Rescue National Competitions, scheduled for 30 October 2026 at Hwange Colliery’s Hwange 3 Main North, bringing together mining teams from across the country to demonstrate their preparedness, technical expertise and teamwork, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
The event is being organised by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CoMZ) in partnership with HCCL Holdings under the theme “Kamandama Drives Our Commitment. Prepared, Equipped, Ready to Save Lives.”
The competitions will provide a platform for participating teams to demonstrate their emergency response capabilities, technical proficiency, discipline and ability to work under pressure. Through practical demonstrations and rescue exercises, the teams will showcase the skills and coordination required to respond effectively to mining emergencies.
A total of five teams will compete in the non-donning category:
- Zimplats
- SMC,
- Jena Mines,
- Blanket Mine,
- Shamva Gold and
- Pan African Mine.
The donning category will feature seven teams, namely
- Blanket Mine,
- Mimosa Mine,
- Zimplats Mine,
- Howmine,
- Redwing Mine,
- Freda Rebecca Mine
- and the host team, Hwange Colliery Mine.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the event will provide an opportunity for teams to exchange knowledge, sharpen their skills and strengthen collaboration in emergency response. It also highlights the mining sector’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards and improving rescue preparedness.
The reference to Kamandama in this year’s theme serves as a reminder of the mining industry’s responsibility to protect workers and ensure that rescue teams are adequately trained and equipped to respond when incidents occur.
Participants and visitors are advised to exercise caution when travelling to the venue, as the access road passes through an area where wild animals may be encountered. Attendees are encouraged to follow the official route directions to ensure safe access to the competition site.
With preparations complete, all eyes are now on Hwange as the country’s mine rescue teams prepare to demonstrate their technical capabilities and readiness to respond to mining emergencies.
Date: 30 October 2026
Venue: Hwange 3 Main North
Organisers: Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe and HCCL Holdings
Theme: “Kamandama Drives Our Commitment. Prepared, Equipped, Ready to Save Lives.”
