Zimbabwe’s mining industry employs over 50,000 formal workers and contributes 70% to foreign direct investment, 80% to exports, and 19% to government revenues, making mine workers the undeniable backbone of the national economy. Yet, despite their indispensable role, their welfare continues to be compromised by low wages, unsafe working conditions, and policy neglect, the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) said.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
This Workers’ Day, ZDAMWU has sounded the alarm on these “long-standing injustices.” Under the theme “Empowering Mine Workers, Building Union Power in Unity and Shaping Our Future for Transformation,” ZDAMWU has declared 1 May 2025 not just a celebration, but a moment of reckoning.
“We are not just labourers; we are builders of a better future,” ZDAMWU General Secretary Justice Chinhema declared. “This Workers’ Day must renew our collective resolve. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations of mine workers to create an industry that is equitable, resilient, and humane.”
According to Chinhema, while Zimbabwe boasts over US$6 billion in annual mineral output, mine workers continue to bear the brunt of its dangers. According to statistics cited by ZDAMWU, the mining sector recorded 121 fatal accidents in 2021, 179 in 2022, and a staggering 237 fatalities in 2023—a nearly 96% increase over two years. Most of these fatalities occurred in under-regulated operations, especially artisanal and small-scale mines, where safety standards are often an afterthought.
“Our celebration is tempered by the sobering reality of high mine fatalities,” Chinhema said. “It is not enough to merely gather in commemoration. We must remember—and act on behalf of—those who have paid the ultimate price.”
The growing death toll underscores the urgent need for a national strategy on occupational health and safety. ZDAMWU is calling for non-negotiable safety reforms, including stringent monitoring, regular health screenings, and accessible medical services for all mine workers.
According to Chinhema, Zimbabwe’s mining sector, according to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), contributes 13.5% to national income, with over $3 billion in taxes and royalties generated annually. Yet, the workers generating that wealth often live in poverty, with salaries far below regional benchmarks.
The latest wage negotiations under the National Employment Council (NEC) secured a 4% increase from January to June and a 5% rise from July to December 2025. While this was a modest gain, it fell significantly short of ZDAMWU’s demand for a living wage pegged at USD 600.
“In the context of a global downturn in mineral markets—excluding gold—we acknowledge this as a strategic gain,” Chinhema noted. “But make no mistake, the fight for a living wage is far from over.”
ZDAMWU’s admission to the NEC for the mining industry in 2025 marked a major victory for the young union, which has been vocal in pushing for a pro-worker agenda. Chinhema emphasized that unity is the workers’ greatest defence.
“We urge all mine workers to actively participate in union activities. Workers must recognize that a stronger union yields stronger protections, fairer wages, and enhanced job security,” he said.
As part of its 2025 campaign, the union has outlined bold policy targets:
End Labour Casualisation: By capping short-term contracts and ensuring permanent positions for permanent work.
Enforce Occupational Health Standards: Including mental health support.
Secure a Living Wage: One that reflects the hazardous nature of mining.
Promote Decent Housing: By ending mining compounds and developing inclusive communities.
Advocate for Environmental Justice: Ensuring mining doesn’t destroy the ecosystems communities rely on.
Chinese Investment: A Double-Edged Sword
The rise of Chinese capital in Zimbabwe’s mining sector has brought mixed outcomes. While it has revived defunct operations and injected liquidity, concerns over labour rights violations, poor wages, and environmental degradation have intensified.
“Economic growth must never come at the cost of human dignity,” Chinhema said. “Reports of exploitation in Chinese-run mines must be taken seriously and addressed through transparent, enforceable laws.”
ZDAMWU has called on the government to demand strict compliance with labour laws from foreign investors, especially in lithium and chrome mining operations where abuses have been reported.
For ZDAMWU, May Day is not merely symbolic—it is a call to conscience. As Zimbabwe enters a new phase of economic growth driven by lithium, platinum, and gold, the union argues that workers must not be left behind.
“May Day must stand as a resolute tribute to the unsung heroes of our mining sector. It is a day to demand accountability from employers, policymakers, and investors alike,” said Chinhema.
He added that the future of mining must be inclusive, safe, and just—built not only on minerals but also on the sweat and dignity of workers.
ZDAMWU has laid out a transformative vision anchored in job security, environmental stewardship, and technological adaptation. With automation threatening traditional mining jobs, the union is also calling for robust re-skilling programmes to help workers transition into future-ready roles.
“We must adapt strategically,” Chinhema said. “As we confront global market volatility and the challenges of modern mining, our union must lead the call for responsible and inclusive practices.”
This Workers’ Day, ZDAMWU has reaffirmed its place as Zimbabwe’s most vocal champion for mine workers’ rights. While the journey toward justice remains long, the message is clear: Failure is not an option.
