Mining ZimbabweLatest Mining News, Policy and Industry Updates

Zimbabwe’s third-largest platinum group metal (PGM) producer, Unki Mine, located in Shurugwi, has reached nearly 12 years without a fatality, Mining Zimbabwe can report.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

This milestone makes Unki the first mine in Zimbabwe to achieve such an impressive safety record.

The achievement reflects Unki Mine’s unwavering commitment to Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) performance, underpinned by rigorous monitoring and adherence to Anglo American Platinum’s safety protocols.

Unki’s safety success is part of Anglo American Platinum’s broader strategy, which focuses on embedding a culture of safety across all its operations. This culture is driven by continuous risk assessments, advanced technology deployment, and a zero-harm mindset.

In 2023, Anglo American Platinum, Unki’s parent company, marked its second consecutive year without recording a fatality. The total recordable case frequency rate (TRCFR) reached a historic low of 1.61 per million hours worked, representing a year-on-year improvement of 31% and an 85% improvement since 2012.

Unki, together with the Mogalakwena and Mototolo mines, has maintained over 11 years of fatality-free operations, while the Amandelbult mine achieved 96 million fatality-free shifts.

Unki Mine’s safety strategy hinges on several key elements:

Proactive Hazard Identification: The mine emphasises early detection and mitigation of potential hazards through regular safety audits and continuous risk assessments. These processes ensure that potential dangers are identified and addressed before they escalate.

Training and Safety Culture: Employees undergo regular safety training programs aimed at promoting a culture of vigilance and shared responsibility for workplace safety. Workers are encouraged to report unsafe conditions and intervene to prevent unsafe acts.

Technological Innovation: Unki leverages state-of-the-art technology to enhance safety, including the use of real-time monitoring systems to track equipment performance and worker safety, reducing the risk of accidents.

Emergency Preparedness: The mine maintains well-coordinated emergency response teams that are trained to handle accidents swiftly and effectively, minimising the risk of harm in critical situations.

Contractor Safety Management: The safety of contracted workers is integrated into Unki’s overall safety framework.

Unki Mine’s safety achievements align with its broader sustainability commitments. In 2021, Unki became the first mine in Africa to be assessed against the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance’s (IRMA) comprehensive mining standard, achieving the IRMA 75 level of performance.

This recognition underscores Anglo American’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the highest responsible mining standards.

In 2019, Unki Mine was the first to publicly commit to being independently audited against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining, a commitment verified by SCS Global Services. This landmark achievement highlights Unki’s role as a leader not only in safety but also in setting standards for responsible mining practices on the continent.

Through its commitment to safety and sustainable operations, Unki Mine continues to set a benchmark for the mining industry, proving that zero harm is not just a goal but an achievable reality.

The African diamond mining industry is poised for significant growth, with African producers aiming to consolidate their influence in the global market.

By Rudairo Mapuranga

Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, the current African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) Chairman, Hon. Winston Chitando, said Africa has vast potential to be a major player in the global diamond industry.

“Regarding the outlook for the diamond mining industry in Africa, we recognize Africa’s massive potential in this sector. This is why African producers aim to unite and be a significant voice in the global diamond market. However, the main challenge Africa faces is price setting,” Minister Chitando said.

He noted that countries like Botswana and Angola market their diamonds differently, making it difficult to form a unified African approach.

“Each country has its own marketing strategies tailored to its specific needs. For instance, Botswana and Angola have different structures for marketing their diamonds, which makes it difficult to establish a unified African marketing strategy due to the varying circumstances of each country,” Minister Chitando explained.

Despite these challenges, Minister Chitando remains optimistic about Africa’s future in the diamond sector, stressing that collaboration is key.

He emphasized that Africa, with its vast reserves, could become a global force, but only if countries work together to streamline operations and enhance their diamond beneficiation strategies.

According to Chitando, Zimbabwe, in particular, is committed to maximizing the value of its diamonds through local cutting and polishing initiatives, ensuring that more of the wealth generated from diamonds remains in the country.

Minister Chitando further noted that establishing Africa as a significant market for diamonds remains difficult due to the dominance of markets like the United States, which currently accounts for the largest portion of global diamond sales.

“As for whether Africa could become a market for diamonds, that’s challenging because the largest market currently is the United States. Establishing a significant diamond market in Africa would require a strong marketing strategy over a considerable period, coupled with substantial buying power from local consumers,” Chitando said.

There is a need for African countries not only to produce diamonds but also to create demand within their local economies. Zimbabwe, under the leadership of Hon. Chitando, has been making strides to ensure that diamond mining benefits the country holistically. Through policies that encourage beneficiation, such as local diamond cutting and polishing, Zimbabwe seeks to increase the value of its diamond exports and retain more revenue from the industry. These efforts align with the broader vision of African diamond-producing nations, which aim to ensure that the continent’s rich resources are used for the development and economic empowerment of its people.

Africa’s diamond industry continues to face obstacles, such as fragmented marketing strategies and the challenge of developing local markets. However, with leaders like Hon. Chitando spearheading initiatives to maximize value and encourage collaboration, the future looks promising for Africa to become a more influential player in the global diamond sector. As Zimbabwe dedicates itself to creating value through local beneficiation, other African nations may follow suit, increasing the continent’s share in global diamond profits.