- Kambamura Declares Zero Tolerance on Unsafe Mines
Minister of Mines Hon. Dr Polite Kambamura has given inspectors an unprecedented assurance: any suspension or closure order issued by a Government Mining Engineer will not be reversed by political or corporate interference, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
“If an inspector closes a mine, it should be so. No one should overturn that order until the inspector is satisfied,” the Minister declared at the national Inspectors of Mines Workshop. He added that this backing comes directly from the highest office: “If I support you, it means the President supports you as well.”
The pledge aims to end the long-standing frustration where unsafe mines remain operational after making a few phone calls. Dr. Kambamura reminded inspectors that they are “the eyes of the Government,” and that blurred vision, due to intimidation or bribery, costs lives.
“You now have teeth to bite,” he said. “Mine managers must be accountable. When you find chaos – riverbed mining, undermining infrastructure, operating without title – exercise the full statutory authority of the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05].”
In a related move, the Ministry is establishing confidential whistleblowing channels to protect honest inspectors who face political attacks or corporate retaliation. “We will protect you,” the Minister promised. “But you must act.”
