Home Blog Page 153

Dozens Rescued, 181 Still Underground After Shaft Malfunction at Sibanye-Stillwater Mine in South Africa

Mining
-
0
Dozens Rescued, 181 Still Underground After Shaft Malfunction at Sibanye-Stillwater Mine in South Africa

Nearly a third of the 260 miners trapped underground following a shaft accident at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Kloof gold mine have been brought to the surface, the company confirmed on Friday, as rescue efforts continued with no reported injuries.

Keith Sungiso

The incident occurred on Thursday when a hoist system used to access the Kloof 7 shaft, located roughly 60 kilometres west of Johannesburg, sustained damage. The malfunction left 260 miners deep underground at one of Sibanye’s deepest operations, extending about 3,200 meters (2 miles) below the surface.

By early Friday afternoon, 79 miners had been safely hoisted out of the shaft.

“The remaining 181 employees … have been provided with food and will be hoisted to surface as soon as safety to hoist is confirmed,” Sibanye-Stillwater said in a statement.

A company spokesperson later told Reuters that the process of bringing all remaining workers to the surface was expected to be completed “soon.”

There were no casualties or injuries reported.

“Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries,” said Duncan Luvuno, Health and Safety Chairperson of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), during a briefing at the site. “But for … 24 hours, people were not eating or drinking anything. This is not adequate. Some have chronic diseases.”

Journalists were denied access to the mine shaft, but a Reuters reporter observed miners, appearing exhausted yet physically unharmed, boarding buses at the mine’s perimeter after being rescued.

Outside the mine, concern gripped relatives of those still underground.

“I haven’t slept a wink,” said Mamodise Mokone, whose husband was among the trapped miners. “I just want to tell the management or whoever is in charge: I just want my husband out alive.”

Sibanye-Stillwater earlier described the accident as a “shaft incident” and stated all workers had been gathered safely at an underground assembly point while rescue operations commenced.

Kloof mine contributes 14% of Sibanye’s total gold production. In addition to gold mining, the Johannesburg-based company operates platinum group metal mines in South Africa and the United States.

South Africa’s mining sector, while heavily regulated, has a long history of accidents. The country is home to some of the world’s deepest and oldest mines, many of which are now disused and overrun by informal miners. In a separate incident earlier this year, at least 78 bodies were recovered from an illegal mine following a months-long crackdown.

Rescue efforts at Kloof are ongoing, with workers and families anxiously awaiting a safe resolution to what could have been a far more tragic event.

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 23 May 2025

Mining
-
0
Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe, 23 May 2025

Gold buying prices per gram in Zimbabwe today, 23 May 2025, from the official gold buyer and exporter Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR).

SG 90% and ABOVE US$99.77/g.
SG ABOVE 89% BUT BELOW 90% US$98.72/g.
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$97.66/g.
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$96.60/g.
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$95.02/g.

Fire Assay CASH $100.30/g.

NB: Fire Assay cash price is for gold above 100g; no sample is deducted.
A sample of not more than 10g is deducted for the Fire Assay Transfer price.
A 2% royalty is charged on all deposits (Small-scale miners).
A 5% royalty is set for Primary Producers.

Caledonia Contributes US$23.7 Million to the National Fiscus in 2024

Mining
-
0
Caledonia Contributes US$23.7 Million to the National Fiscus in 2024

Victoria Falls Stock Exchange-listed Caledonia Mining Corporation has reaffirmed its pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s economy by contributing US$23.745 million to the national fiscus in 2024 through various tax payments.

By Ryan Chigoche

The disclosure was made in the company’s latest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, covering the full year from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

The ESG report highlights Caledonia’s commitment to operating sustainably and responsibly, while also fulfilling its fiscal obligations. The company’s payments to the Zimbabwean government encompassed a wide range of taxes, including income tax on profits from Blanket Mine, PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn) tax on employee wages, a 5% gold royalty, withholding tax on cross-border transactions, dividends to the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Fund (NIEEF), and customs duties.

Of the total amount, US$11.9 million was paid directly to the government, excluding gold royalties. The gold royalty component alone amounted to US$9.081 million, underscoring the significance of Blanket Mine’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s mining revenue.

Beyond financial contributions, Caledonia continues to deepen its engagement with local communities through a range of sustainability initiatives. In 2024, the company expanded efforts to support education, healthcare, and clean energy access in areas surrounding its operations. These included investments in schools and clinics, complemented by the installation of solar photovoltaic systems to provide reliable, renewable energy.

“We believe our success is intertwined with the well-being of our people, our communities, and the environment in which we operate,” said Chief Executive Officer Mark Learmonth. “As we look ahead, our focus remains on balancing responsible growth with lasting impact, ensuring that Caledonia is not only well-positioned for the future but is actively shaping it.”

Caledonia’s transparency in both financial and non-financial reporting aligns with recent regulatory changes in Zimbabwe. The government has made sustainability reporting mandatory for all companies listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) and the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), a move that brings the country in line with global best practices in corporate governance.

Through the publication of ESG reports, companies like Caledonia showcase their adherence to ethical practices, effective risk management, and long-term financial resilience.

Further underscoring its transparency, Caledonia’s financial disclosures also meet the requirements of the UK Reports on Payments to Governments Regulations, with payment details publicly accessible via UK Companies House and EDGAR in the USA. This approach reinforces the company’s role in promoting fiscal stability and supporting Zimbabwe’s broader economic development.

Eastern Asia Mine Blast Sparks Outcry in Mhangura: Hospital Damaged, Community Demands Accountability

Mining
-
0
Eastern Asia Mine Blast Sparks Outcry in Mhangura: Hospital Damaged, Community Demands Accountability

A routine Thursday afternoon turned into a scene of fear and alarm for patients and medical staff at Makonde Christian Hospital after a powerful blast from the nearby Eastern Asia Mine — formerly known as Mhangura Copper Mine — shook the area, shattering windows and triggering visible structural cracks in the hospital building.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

The blast, which allegedly occurred around 5:00 p.m. on May 15, 2025, has since ignited public outrage over the mine’s proximity to the hospital, a facility that serves as a referral point for 10 clinics in the Mhangura Constituency. Concerned citizens allege that this was the 72nd blast carried out by the Chinese-run Eastern Asia Mine in close range of sensitive infrastructure, accusing the mine of reckless disregard for human life and public safety.

Residents near the hospital, including some within one to two kilometres of the site, reported deepening wall cracks, broken windows, and fears of long-term structural instability. One patient on life-saving support allegedly narrowly escaped injury, with the blast shaking the intensive care unit.

“The mining site’s proximity to the hospital, within the buffer zone, raises serious concerns,” read one account from a concerned local. “The site is approximately 150 meters away from the hospital structure, which is alarming.”

The sentiment among residents is one of betrayal and disappointment — a deep frustration over the perception that the community’s well-being is being subordinated to mining interests.

Eastern Asia Mine, which is operating the former Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) copper mine, has been operating in Mhangura on a site that once represented the pride of Zimbabwean copper mining. Yet while the Chinese investor has reignited mining operations, questions are being raised over whether this revival has come at the cost of the health and safety of Mhangura’s residents.

Historically, the Mhangura Copper Mine had considered relocating the hospital to the Mhangura Golf Club area, citing the presence of high-grade copper beneath the hospital. However, the plan was scrapped after internal disagreements, and efforts to establish a replacement facility in Alaska also failed to materialise.

Fast forward to 2025, and the explosion at Eastern Asia Mine suggests that little has changed in terms of prioritising people over profit. Worse still, allegations suggest that the May 15 blast proceeded despite prior knowledge that officials from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Ministry of Mines were en route to stop it.

“It’s concerning that the company proceeded to set up and charge such a large blast despite knowing that regulatory bodies were on their way to intervene,” said one informant, echoing the fears that regulation is being undermined by corporate indifference.

When contacted for comment, Eastern Asia Mine’s manager, Samantha, referred all questions to ZMDC, the state-owned entity overseeing the mining operation. In response to a formal inquiry, ZMDC General Manager Blessing Chitambira acknowledged the incident and said the issue was receiving “the utmost attention.”

“As a stakeholder, you will be notified of actions to be taken regarding the above subject matter and issues you have raised. In the meantime, all blasting activities have been suspended to pave the way for lasting solutions,” Chitambira said.

The statement, though welcome, has done little to ease community anxiety. For many in Mhangura, this is not the first time a mining company has promised to listen after the damage has already been done. The residents want more than a temporary suspension — they are calling for an urgent, independent structural assessment of the hospital, an enforceable buffer zone, and full transparency on future blasting protocols.

There is a sense, too, that ZMDC must do more than issue reassurances. In a series of questions directed to Chitambira, I asked whether ZMDC had sanctioned the May 15 blast, whether any rehabilitation efforts would be undertaken, and whether the corporation intended to revisit the idea of relocating the hospital — a conversation that dates back to the pre-2000s but has remained largely shelved.

Blasting 150 meters from a hospital, particularly one that provides critical services to a catchment area as wide as Mhangura, is not only a question of law, but of morality. While ZMDC has promised to investigate and respond, it remains unclear how the institution will enforce accountability on its Chinese partners, who have shown what residents describe as “little to no regard for humanitarian considerations.”

What complicates matters further is the historical baggage of SMM and Mhangura Copper Mine, once a state-run enterprise. After its collapse due to mismanagement and political infighting, the community was left in economic limbo, and any hope of industrial revival was quickly overshadowed by disillusionment. Now, with the resurgence of mining under Eastern Asia Mine, the community hoped for economic revitalisation, not the demolition of its healthcare infrastructure.

As one resident aptly put it, “We didn’t sign up for development at the expense of our safety. You can’t talk about job creation when your hospital is crumbling.”

Whether the Makonde Christian Hospital will recover from the damage remains to be seen. What is certain is that Mhangura’s people are no longer silent, and their voices — tired but resolute — are demanding answers, safeguards, and a mining future that places people before profit.

Khayah Cement to Delist as Fossil Mining Faces Strategic Crossroads

Mining
-
0
Khayah Cement to Delist as Fossil Mining Faces Strategic Crossroads

Khayah Cement is set to delist from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), following creditor approval of a business rescue plan aimed at salvaging the company’s distressed operations.

By Ryan Chigoche

The decision comes amid mounting financial pressure, inherited debt, and U.S. sanctions that have hampered efforts by majority shareholder Fossil Mining to stabilise the business.

Fossil Mining, which acquired Khayah Cement (then Lafarge Zimbabwe) from Holcim in 2022 for US$29.7 million, inherited significant liabilities, chief among them, a legacy debt of US$11 million.

Since the acquisition, the company has struggled to modernize its infrastructure, with key assets like a 26,000-tonne-per-month clinker kiln overdue for maintenance and critical production capacity locked in two mothballed ball mills.

The delisting proposal, led by Corporate Rescue Practitioner Bulisa Mbano of Grant Thornton, was finalised at a creditors’ meeting in May.

Mbano argues that withdrawing from public markets will give Khayah the operational flexibility to restructure, renegotiate debt, and implement cost-cutting strategies without the constraints of shareholder reporting requirements.

However, the turnaround plan is unfolding under complex conditions. Sanctions imposed by the U.S. government on Fossil Mining and its shareholders have severely restricted the company’s access to global financial markets.

These sanctions not only inhibit Khayah’s ability to attract foreign investment but also complicate the procurement of financing necessary for rehabilitating essential production assets.

Khayah’s assets, including a 700,000-tonne-per-year Vertical Cement Mill and the two idle ball mills with 450,000 tonnes of combined annual capacity, remain underperforming.

Restoring these facilities is central to Mbano’s recovery strategy, but funding remains uncertain in Zimbabwe’s constrained economic environment.

The broader implications for Fossil Mining are significant. If the company proceeds with an exit, finding a new investor capable of navigating both Zimbabwe’s macroeconomic volatility and international sanctions will be a major challenge. Conversely, if Fossil remains committed, it will need to secure alternative funding channels and withstand geopolitical headwinds.

Khayah’s restructuring reflects the wider fragility of Zimbabwe’s industrial value chain, where mining-linked industries remain vulnerable to both legacy inefficiencies and global financial restrictions.

Whether the delisting results in a sustainable recovery or a strategic withdrawal will depend largely on how the company addresses these dual pressures—internal operational failure and external financial isolation.

Kuvimba Needs US$950 Million to Fund Operations, CEO Reveals at Gold Symposium

Mining
-
0
Kuvimba Needs US$950 Million to Fund Operations, CEO Reveals at Gold Symposium

Kuvimba Mining House CEO Trevor Barnard has revealed that the diversified, Mutapa Investment Fund-owned mining giant requires approximately US$950 million to bring its full portfolio of mining operations to optimal production capacity, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking at the Gold Symposium during the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CoMZ)’s Annual Mining Conference and Exhibition 2025 —an event sponsored by Kuvimba, Barnard provided an in-depth overview of the company’s strategic direction, financial needs, and long-term vision for the Zimbabwean mining sector.

“Our vision is to create a better, sustainable future for Zimbabweans,” Barnard said in his opening remarks. “Mining is a long-term industry. You don’t plan for today and tomorrow. You plan 10, 20, even 30 years into the future.”

Barnard explained that Kuvimba’s mission is centred on unlocking the country’s mineral wealth to create enduring value for stakeholders while improving livelihoods across Zimbabwe. He emphasised that these improvements must be sustainable across generations and that every decision taken today must be made with the future in mind.

Outlining Kuvimba’s operational structure, Barnard said the company’s assets are divided into four clusters: gold, energy, bulk minerals, and platinum group metals (PGMs). The gold cluster includes well-known operations like Freda Rebecca Gold Mine and Shamva Gold Mine. In the energy cluster, the company has lithium and nickel assets (Sandawana Mines and Trojan Nickel Mine), though Bindura Nickel Corporation’s Trojan Nickel Mine is currently under care and maintenance. The bulk minerals cluster includes chrome miner ZimAlloys, while PGMs form another important part of Kuvimba’s portfolio—mines include Great Dyke Investment.

In discussing the strategic objectives, Barnard noted that efficient mining asset management, sustainable resource management, and profitability enhancement are key pillars of Kuvimba’s future. These objectives are underpinned by values such as zero harm, integrity, teamwork, resilience, and diversity—principles that guide the company’s operations.

However, the CEO underscored that realising this ambitious vision hinges on one critical factor: funding.

“We require a significant amount of funding to make our businesses work,” Barnard stated. “We’ve done some preliminary work on our funding requirements, and currently we sit around US$950 million required to fund our operations and bring them to full production capacity.”

Barnard also pointed out that resource definition remains a core component of the company’s planning, adding that processing and production capacity development will be vital for expansion.

“We need to make sure we’ve got the right capacity to process and develop all our resources. That’s key,” he said.

Compliance—both regulatory and operational—was another area Barnard highlighted as essential for Kuvimba’s success. “Compliance is not negotiable. We need to support the industry and government in ensuring we operate within a realistic but robust framework,” he said.

Infrastructure development—especially vault infrastructure—was cited as critical not only to Kuvimba but to the mining sector at large. Finally, Barnard stressed the importance of building a competent and cohesive team to drive the company’s success across its diversified operations.

Kuvimba Mining House, whose assets contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s mining sector, is a flagship for the country’s push toward value addition and beneficiation. However, with the company’s US$950 million capital requirement, the road ahead will depend on attracting investment, securing financing, and executing a long-term development strategy.

Zim Gold Industry Needs Over US$1 Billion to Reach 100-Tonne Target, Says Gono

Mining
-
0
Zim Gold Industry Needs Over US$1 Billion to Reach 100-Tonne Target, Says Gono

Zimbabwe’s gold sector has the potential to grow into a 100-tonne-per-year industry, but doing so will require more than ambition—it will demand over US$1 billion in fresh capital, targeted policy reform, and structural changes in how the country powers and markets its gold industry, outgoing Chamber of Mines President Thomas Gono said.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking during the Gold Symposium sponsored by Kuvimba Mining House at the Chamber of Mines Annual Mining Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Victoria Falls on Thursday, Gono delivered a candid assessment of both the successes and constraints facing the gold industry.

He noted that while Zimbabwe’s gold output rose from 32.4 tonnes in 2023 to 38.5 tonnes in 2024, the current production levels fall far short of the government’s 100-tonne vision.

“To reach the 100-tonne target, the sector will require an estimated US$1 billion in capital to ramp up production and sustain expansion,” Gono said. “At present, the local gold industry operates with low capacity, constrained by limited access to capital for both operations and growth.”

Zimbabwe is no stranger to gold. For decades, the precious metal has served as the cornerstone of the country’s mining sector. Today, its significance is reinforced by its use in backing the local currency and anchoring foreign currency reserves.

“Zimbabwe is, by all accounts, a gold mining country,” Gono said. “Throughout our mining history, gold has been a cornerstone of sector growth.”

According to the Chamber, over 1.5 million people are directly or indirectly involved in gold mining activities across the country, with the sector now contributing 43% of total mineral exports—up from 27% in 2020. The mining sector overall accounts for 57% of formal employment.

Yet despite these impressive numbers, a litany of structural and financial constraints continues to hold the sector back, most notably, power.

“Unlike base mineral operations, most gold mines in Zimbabwe, particularly the small to medium enterprises, are not connected to dedicated power lines,” Gono lamented. “Over 60% of gold output comes from the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, which unfortunately continues to operate without reliable power.”

The absence of dedicated and affordable electricity, coupled with an environment of high operating costs, has become a drag on both productivity and profitability.

“Collective efforts are urgently needed to reduce operating costs so that the country can fully benefit from the currently favourable commodity prices,” Gono said. “Should prices soften, as they inevitably do, the sector may face severe challenges.”

Gono made a strong case for investing in exploration as a key to unlocking Zimbabwe’s gold potential. Geoscientific data, he said, indicates that several regions remain significantly underexplored. “We are confident that with increased investment in exploration, new deposits will be discovered, boosting gold output and elevating Zimbabwe’s global standing,” he added.

He also called for a review of how the country markets its gold. The current centralised marketing model, in which all gold must be delivered to a single buyer—Fidelity Gold Refinery—was described as “rigid and unresponsive,” especially for small-scale miners.

“With the majority of production coming from the small-scale sector, gold markets must be brought closer to production centres,” Gono said. “Furthermore, liberalising the marketing framework and decriminalising gold possession will help formalise operations and enable the financial services sector to develop gold-backed instruments for financing the gold sector and their projects.”

On the financial side, he praised Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) for moving away from generic payment packages and improving delivery turnaround times.

“We commend Fidelity Gold Refinery for the tremendous effort done in ensuring producers are paid timely,” he said. “We also recognise and appreciate Fidelity’s efforts in promoting responsible gold sourcing, which is vital to preserving the international reputation of Zimbabwe’s gold industry.”

However, the gold sector’s challenges aren’t just operational—they are also systemic. Most operators, especially in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) space, rely on outdated equipment, undermining efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Modernisation, Gono stressed, is not a luxury—it’s a necessity if Zimbabwe is to compete globally.

“The sector continues to rely on antiquated equipment, severely undermining efficiency. This needs to change if we are to scale up production meaningfully,” he noted.

Despite the hurdles, Gono remained optimistic, urging delegates at the symposium to craft bold, actionable solutions. “As you can see, the Zimbabwe gold industry faces a range of challenges and opportunities. It is our hope that this symposium will generate robust and actionable recommendations for policymakers as we collectively strive to grow the sector.”

With high-level backing from both government and industry, and if the right blend of reforms, capital, and technology is applied, Zimbabwe’s goal of becoming a 100-tonne gold producer is not beyond reach. But for now, the road ahead remains steep—and expensive.

Zimasco CEO John Musekiwa Elected Chamber of Mines President

Mining
-
0
Zimasco CEO John Musekiwa Elected Chamber of Mines President

Zimasco CEO John Musekiwa, has been appointed the new President of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe. The announcement was made at the ongoing Annual Mining Conference taking place in Victoria Falls, a key event on Zimbabwe’s mining calendar.

Kelvin Sungiso

Musekiwa’s election marks a new chapter for the Chamber, as he steps into the role previously held by Thomas Gono, who led the organization over the past two years. His appointment comes through the Chamber of Mines Council, the industry’s highest policy-making and elective body.

Joining Musekiwa in the leadership team are Munashe Shava, CEO of GDI, who has been named First Vice President, and Fungai Makoni, Managing Director of Mimosa Mining Company, as Second Vice President.

Munashe Shava
Fungai Makoni

The new leadership is expected to guide the Chamber through to the year 2026.

More updates from the conference to follow.

ZimAlloys Strengthens Ties with Insiza-Dolo Community as Chrome Mining Expansion Begins

Mining
-
0
ZimAlloys Strengthens Ties with Insiza-Dolo Community as Chrome Mining Expansion Begins

In a significant step toward inclusive development, Kuvimba Mining House–owned ZimAlloys has engaged the Dolo/Insiza community in a landmark consultative meeting aimed at aligning its chrome mining operations with local aspirations, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

ZimAlloys held a Community Engagement Day with the Insiza community, bringing together traditional leaders, residents, and company representatives. The event marked a new chapter of collaboration between the miner and the community in which it operates.

The meeting comes as ZimAlloys, ramps up chrome extraction activities in the region. However, rather than imposing operations from the boardroom, the company has opted for a bottom-up approach—listening first to the needs of the people whose land and livelihoods are directly affected.

At the heart of the engagement was a candid dialogue about pressing local needs: healthcare access, water security, road infrastructure, and education. Community members emphasized that development must go beyond mineral extraction and address critical social and economic challenges.

Dalindyebo Miso-Mbele, General Manager of ZimAlloys, reassured attendees that the company is committed to working hand-in-hand with the community.

“I would like to thank you all for the work you have done. I represent ZimAlloys, and we have come to extract chrome. We heard your concerns, and we are committed to fulfilling your wishes as we work together to ensure the community is well supported,” Miso-Mbele said.

He further pledged that ZimAlloys would adopt responsible mining practices, including backfilling excavated pits and reforesting mined areas.

“We also promise to replant trees in the areas we mine. Thank you for your warm welcome, and we hope to work together efficiently going forward,” he added.

As a symbol of goodwill, ZimAlloys presented a donation to the community, including a motorcycle, signaling its intent to forge a partnership based on mutual respect and shared benefits.

Respecting the Land and Its People

Chief Chizungu, the traditional leader of the area, welcomed the engagement but was candid about the community’s expectations. He praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s efforts to attract investment but stressed the importance of respecting local customs and safety standards.

“I would like to thank President ED Mnangagwa, who invited investors to work with our communities. We agreed on many things, both good and challenging. One agreement was that when digging, miners must respect the community chiefs. We also agreed that they must fill in all pits to prevent danger to children,” said Chief Chizungu.

He expressed optimism that ZimAlloys’ engagement would bring tangible progress, adding:

“I hope we will see progress now that Mr. Miso from ZimAlloys has come here and met with us. We must build our own country, as the President always says, so we do not have to keep asking and asking.”

Beyond Mining: Building Together

ZimAlloys outlined a roadmap that places the community at the center of its operations. Steering committees focusing on infrastructure development, health, education, and employment will be established to ensure local participation in decision-making.

Key proposed projects include:

  • Rehabilitation of roads
  • Construction and maintenance of a dam to alleviate water shortages
  • Installation of dip tanks for livestock health
  • Upgrades to local school facilities

The company also committed to supporting local enterprises and promoting employment opportunities for residents within its mining operations.

For ZimAlloys, the success of chrome mining in Insiza will now be measured not just by production output, but by the quality-of-life improvements it brings to the Dolo/Insiza community.

The challenge ahead is clear: to strike a balance between commercial interests and genuine community upliftment. With dialogue now firmly established, the responsibility lies with ZimAlloys to deliver on its promises.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe: Surge in Criminal Activity Near ZSM Demands Heightened Safety Awareness

Mining
-
0
Stay Alert, Stay Safe: Surge in Criminal Activity Near ZSM Demands Heightened Safety Awareness

The Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) has issued an urgent security alert following a concerning increase in criminal activity near the Bulawayo City Council Pit, adjacent to Cecil Roberts and opposite New Parklands. The institution is calling on all staff, students, and community members to prioritize personal safety amid a rise in illegal gold panning in the area.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

According to ZSM’s Security Department, the presence of artisanal miners has unintentionally attracted criminal elements, turning the area into a high-risk zone. While the miners themselves are not to blame, opportunistic criminals are targeting both the miners and innocent passersby.

“The area has become a hotspot for gold panners, with activity occurring around the clock. This has unfortunately led to a spike in robberies and assaults,” reads the ZSM advisory. “Criminals initially prey on the miners but often turn to unsuspecting pedestrians and motorists when their attempts fail.”

Protect Yourself: Safety Tips from ZSM

To ensure the well-being of its community, ZSM strongly advises everyone to adopt the following safety precautions:

  • Avoid unnecessary movement near the City Council Pit and surrounding Killarney area.

  • Keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked when driving through the vicinity.

  • Do not pick up strangers or hitchhikers in the area.

  • Refrain from carrying large amounts of cash or visible valuables.

  • Use only registered public transport — avoid offering or accepting lifts in private vehicles.

  • Stay alert and report suspicious activity immediately.

ZSM has also shared emergency contact numbers for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Khumalo, the Killarney Neighbourhood Watch, and its internal security team to facilitate rapid response in case of incidents.

The Bigger Picture: Informal Mining and Public Safety

While this is a local security concern, it also reflects broader national dynamics. Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) plays a key role in Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly in underserved communities. Yet, the informal nature of these operations often leaves both miners and the surrounding public vulnerable to criminal exploitation.

“Criminals are not just harassing miners—they’re threatening public safety,” the ZSM Security Department warned. “We must all remain vigilant.”

Call to Action: Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Institutions like ZSM are doing their part to inform and protect. But safety begins with awareness. Whether you are a student, a staff member, or a resident of nearby communities, stay cautious, stay informed, and stay safe.

“The safety and well-being of all ZSM staff and students remains our utmost concern,” the advisory concludes. “Let us all work together to protect one another.”

For now, vigilance is not just recommended—it’s essential.

1...152153154...731Page 153 of 731