Four illegal miners lost their lives in the early hours of Tuesday, 28 May 2025, following a tragic incident at Pickstone Peerless Mine in Chegutu, owned by Dallaglio Investments (Pvt) Ltd.
The fatal accident occurred after a group of approximately 30 individuals unlawfully entered the open pit mine and detonated an unauthorised blast, causing a collapse that trapped five people.
In an official statement, Dallaglio Investments confirmed the fatalities and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life.
“Dallaglio Investments (Pvt) Ltd. regrets to announce the tragic and untimely deaths of four individuals who were involved in illegal mining activities in an open pit at Pickstone Peerless Mine,” the company said. “Upon receiving an alert regarding the incident, our emergency response team was immediately deployed to the scene. One person was successfully rescued alive, while, regrettably, four were recovered deceased.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) also confirmed their presence at the scene, where they assisted in the recovery and transfer of the deceased to ZRP Chegutu.
“The ZRP promptly attended the scene and facilitated the transfer of the deceased to ZRP Chegutu,” Dallaglio noted.
The mining company has issued a stern warning to local communities, urging them to avoid illegal mining practices, particularly those involving explosives, which pose grave dangers.
“Dallaglio strongly urges all community members to prioritize their safety and refrain from entering mine sites unlawfully or engaging in illegal mining activities, particularly those involving explosives. Such actions pose severe risks to life and undermine community well-being,” the statement read.
As the mining sector continues to grapple with the challenges posed by illegal operations, Dallaglio reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community awareness and collaborating with law enforcement to prevent further tragedies.
“Our thoughts are with the families affected by this loss. We remain committed to working closely with law enforcement and community leaders to enhance awareness around mine safety and prevent future occurrences.”
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of fatalities linked to illegal mining activities across Zimbabwe, highlighting the urgent need for increased safety education, law enforcement, and alternative livelihood strategies for artisanal miners.
