In an effort to prevent potential loss of lives and damage to mines, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has issued a stern warning to all miners, emphasizing the increased risks during the rainy season.
In a statement at the the Ministry’s Head Office in Harare, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Zhemu Soda specifically highlighted the dangers of flooding, weakened ground, and slimes dam breaches, which require miners to exercise caution and responsible mining practices.
He urged all miners, particularly artisanal miners, to be mindful of the potential hazards posed by heavy rainfall stating that the current weather conditions, characterized by torrential rainfall, have intensified these risks.
“We implore all miners to fully understand and take necessary precautions to prevent any loss of lives or damage to equipment and mines,” stated Soda.
Soda cautioned miners to avoid working or mining in areas adjacent to rivers or waterways, as flooding may occur from upstream rainfall, posing a significant risk of drowning. He said Miners must also refrain from digging and blasting in old mine workings, as the saturated soil can lead to ground instability and potential collapse.
He also advised against Pillar robbing. Pillar robbing is one of the worst mining practices potentially responsible for majority of the deaths in artisanal small scale mining industry.
“The Ministry therefore advises our miners as follows:
a) Avoid working or mining along rivers or water ways as shafts are likely to flood from rain upstream posing risks of drowning;
b) Avoid digging and blasting in old mine workings because soils easily get saturated and ground becomes unstable and is bound to collapse anytime burying our miners alive;
c) Pillar robbing underground should be avoided at all costs;
d) Avoid sinking shafts in low lying areas as there is a danger of mines being flooded by free flowing waters during the rains;
e) Miners should take measures to divert free flowing water from flooding workings;
Furthermore, the Ministry advised miners to take measures to divert free-flowing water from flooding their workings.
The Minister urged small scale artisanal miners to completely halt mining activities until the rainy season subsides.
“As a precaution, small scale artisanal miners are advised to completely stop mining altogether and resume when the rains stop. Furthermore, miners should cooperate with instructions given by Government authorities to ensure safe mining operations,” Minister Soda said.
The Minister said his Ministry has deployed inspectors to ensure that miners are following all safety protocols. He urged those who have received awareness training during the Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) campaigns hosted by the Mining Engineering Department to apply what they have learned and share their knowledge with their colleagues to ensure the welfare and safety of all miners.
Since his appointment Soda has made it clear that the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is dedicated to upholding safety standards and saving lives. As Mines Minister he has visited accident sites and coordinated rescue efforts something his predecesor rarely did.
