The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has issued a warning to small-scale miners over the heightened risks associated with mining during the rainy season, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Ryan Chigoche
The warning comes in the wake of a recent incident in Kadoma, where six miners are feared dead following shaft floods. Not long ago, in Silobela, seven miners died after being trapped underground when the shaft flooded.
Mining accidents during the rainy season are not uncommon in Zimbabwe. According to the Chamber of Mines, fall-of-ground incidents remain the leading cause of mining deaths, often worsened by weak ground support and heavy rainfall, highlighting the persistent risks that small-scale miners face during the wet season.
In a statement issued by Mashonaland West Province Provincial Mining Director Shingirai Makumbe, miners were urged to exercise extreme caution during the rains.
“As the rainy season begins, the Ministry of Mines urges all small-scale and artisanal miners across the country to exercise extreme caution and prioritise safety in their operations. The onset of rains significantly increases the risk of fatal incidents in mining areas. Heavy downpours weaken ground structures, flood underground shafts, cause slope failures, and can result in sudden mine collapse. Many past accidents during this period have been linked to unsafe working conditions made worse by saturated soils and uncontrolled water inflows,” Makumbe said.
To enhance safety, the Ministry urged miners to:
- Avoid working in underground shafts or open pits with visible cracks, loose ground, or signs of water seepage.
- Reinforce all support structures regularly and inspect them throughout the rainy period.
- Ensure proper drainage systems are in place to reduce water accumulation around workings.
- Work in teams and maintain clear communication, avoiding isolated operations.
- Stay alert to weather forecasts and suspend operations during heavy rainfall or storms.
Miners are also advised to report hazardous conditions immediately to the Ministry of Mines, the Civil Protection Unit, other law enforcement agencies, and community leaders.
“Safety remains the highest priority. No amount of gold or other mineral output is worth the loss of life,” he concluded.
