Home Blog Page 314

Zambia rescues first survivor

TEPE
-
0
Zambia rescues first survivor

Rescue workers in Zambia have pulled out the first survivor of a December 1 landslide that inundated an open-pit copper mine and trapped at least 25 people working there, the disaster management unit said on Wednesday.

The rescue team also retrieved one body which had yet to be identified, Zambia’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“The Search and Rescue Team has in the last 3 hours managed to retrieve one more body bring the total number of dead bodies retrieved to 2 and one person rescued alive. The operation is currently ongoing,” Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit said.

“A 49-year-old man has been rescued from the collapsed mine slug dump site in Chingola after being trapped with several other miners,” it said, adding that he was being treated in hospital.

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema said on Tuesday he was still hopeful that the trapped miners, who were working there without a permit, were still alive, as rescue efforts continued.

The miners at Seseli mine in Chingola, about 400km (250 miles) northwest of Lusaka, were trapped in three locations and heavy rains had flooded the pit, the government said.

The mine was previously owned by Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) but is now in the hands of a local company that has yet to start mining operations as it awaits safety and environmental approvals.

It was still not clear how many miners had been trapped but mines minister Paul Kabuswe said on Monday 25 families had so far come forward to claim missing relatives who were working when the accident happened.

Rescue workers, including military personnel and others from large-scale mining companies, were being cautious due to soft ground, slowing down the operation.

 

Tax increase to impede mining growth

TEPE
-
0
Tax increase to impede mining growth

The stance by the government to implement beneficiation tax during the first quarter of next year will squeeze mining growth, the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe has hinted.

Speaking at the Business Post Budget analysis Breakfast meeting held in the capital Chamber of Mines President Mr Thomas Gono said due to softening commodity prices, implementing a beneficiation tax would affect the growth of the mining industry.

He said the mining industry growth has been relying on its own resources due to failure to attract external capital therefore softening commodity prices might lead many mines to fail to reach targets to beneficiate lithium to lithium carbonates due to lack of funding.

Gono said as the Chamber of Mines they understand that governance is a fiscal position. He however said that productive sectors, including the mining sector, require supportive measures in light of the unfolding and softening of the commodity prices.

“We submitted that taxes and royalties be moderated. While lithium companies are expected to provide beneficiation plans, we hope that the agreed roadmaps must be flexible to accommodate peculiar gestation periods and life of mines of the projects. In addition, we were also expecting the budget to align beneficiation tax from the platinum group metal concentrates to the agreed beneficiation roadmaps for the PGMs.

“We are of the view that the projects in the economy will squeeze the capacity for organic growth. It’s very difficult to mobilize funding from outside. So what is there for us is actually to use only funding for organic growth. Thus the medium-term prospects for the economy will be on the downside. There is a need for the government to support productive sectors to restore viability and generate impetus for increased activities in the outlook,” Gono said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Chamber of Mines CEO Mr Isaac Kwesu  said the expectations and position of the chamber was specifically for the government to consider supporting the mining sector during this difficult phase by giving some form of reprieve that reduces cost.

“As you are aware, our mining industry is currently going through a difficult phase of commodity slowdown. The prices are very, very low. The cost structure has not been helping. We have seen the cost of doing business mining being propelled up in the past 12 months. So from the budget statement, our expectations and position of the chamber was specifically for the government to consider supporting the mining sector during this difficult phase by giving some form of reprieve that reduces cost. This includes possibly the royalties for specific minerals such as PGMs and minerals. Lithium, which went up, as well as the cost of electricity. The tariff also has gone up by more than 40%,” Kwesu said.

Metal Casting and Engineering Summit venue Shifted to Chapman Golf Club

TEPE
-
0
Metal Casting and Engineering Summit venue Shifted to Chapman Golf Club

The Zimbabwe Institute of Foundries (ZIF) has shifted the venue for today’s Metal Casting and Engineering Summit and Awards to Chapman Golf Club.

The second edition of the Metal Casting and Engineering Summit and Awards will run under the theme, “Value addition and beneficiation of metals- Developing local markets for metal casting engineering.”

The Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Zhemu Soda will be the guest of honour.

According to ZIF COO Dosman Mangisi, the Summit has come at a time when the country is on massive development and growth therefore it was of importance to ensure the foundry industry takes centre stage in national development.

Mangisi said retooling through building bridges with Financial Institutions for the funding of the sector is going to be an important aspect at the Summit.

He also said that the foundry industry should be able to tap into the low-hanging fruits in different industries like mining, agriculture, transport, construction and structures among others to ensure that the country does not import equipment such as hammer mills, among others.

“The local foundry should be able to feed the local market and leverage the issue of import substitution. We have low-hanging fruits in different sectors, we need to be able to tap into that. Also enhancing quality control through retooling, we want to build bridges with the financial Institutions to provide working capital.

Mangisi said the awards will recognise companies, organisations and individuals that are working to see the growth of the sector.

“The issue of awards is to recognize people who are pushing the growth and development of the foundry industry,” Mangisi said.

THE FOLLOWING ARE KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR the summit

  • Unveiling of retooling and working capital funding.
  • Shortlisting of Distributors of Raw materials (Dinson Iron Steel Distributorship in conjunction with ZIF).
  • Business partnerships with Banks,eg (order finance systems).
  • Presentation of Beneficiation and Value Addition Awards Dinner.
  • An opportunity to visit Dinson Iron and Steel company in Manhize, Mvuma.
  • Business Networking with key stakeholders and government principals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT 0712033025/0772942473. VENUE: Chapman Gold Club, HARARE. DATE 07 DECEMBER 2023.

Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram 6 December 2023

TEPE
-
0
Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram 6 December 2023

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram today 6 December 2023.

SG 90% AND ABOVE US$61.47/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$60.82g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$60.17/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$59.52/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$58.54/g

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

Cash available. Fidelity Gold Refinery prices will be changing daily to match world market prices.

Dallaglio’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives

TEPE
-
0
Dallaglio’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives

ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, has become a crucial aspect of the Global mining industry. With increasing concerns about climate change, human rights, and corporate responsibility, mining companies are now focusing on integrating sustainable practices into their operations.

Environmental considerations involve minimizing the impact of mining activities on ecosystems, reducing carbon emissions, and conserving water resources. Social factors include ensuring the safety and well-being of workers, respecting local communities, and promoting diversity and inclusion. Governance entails transparency, ethical decision-making, and accountability.

By incorporating ESG principles, mining companies can not only mitigate risks but also enhance their reputation and attract responsible investors. They can implement measures such as using renewable energy sources, adopting advanced technologies for efficient resource utilization, and engaging with stakeholders.

Mining Zimbabwe spoke to Shakeelah who gave us an insight into how one of Zimbabwe’s mining giants, Dallaglio is handling ESG. Here is our interaction.

Can you please tell us about your background and your position at Dallaglio? 

My name is Shakeelah KassimI, I am a Chemical Engineer with experience in the development, implementation and monitoring of Quality, Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), and Risk Management systems in Zimbabwe. My current role at Dallaglio primarily involves the development of systems and processes to understand, monitor and report on ESG-related issues across our operations.

The world is looking forward for mining companies to prioritize issues of Environment Social and Governance (ESG) what is Dallaglio’s strategy for ESG issues?

The foundation of Dallaglio’s ESG Strategy is built on taking the time to fully understand the expectations and priorities of our stakeholders, both internal and external. This understanding of what issues are most important to our Business and stakeholders has informed and will continue to inform the individual elements of our ESG strategy. This approach also allows us to prioritize high-impact areas and effectively identify and monitor our ESG-related risks.

We currently have systems in place to monitor our ESG metrics and are in the process of collecting sufficient data to help us fully understand and establish a baseline for Dallaglio’s ESG performance. This baseline will be used to set targets specific to our operations going forward, with the aim to continuously improve.

Our strategy is also guided by international reporting and disclosure standards, such as those outlined in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and relevant International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) guidelines and frameworks.

In terms of mine rehabilitation strategy, what has Dallaglio prepared to ensure the Environment is safe and usable after mining? 

Rehabilitation has been considered at all stages, from Mine development to operation, all the way through to closure, and rehabilitation plans are in place for all our operations. Progressive rehabilitation is also being done where possible, for example, the new Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) at Eureka was designed and is operated drawing from guidelines in the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) set up by the ICMM.

In 2023, what is Dallaglio’s CSR Strategy and how much has been invested by the company? 

In 2023, we aim to place more focus on measuring and understanding the effectiveness of the CSR programs that we currently have in place to identify opportunities for improvement. At the end of Q2 2023, close to US$50,000 was invested in Community-related initiatives, including the rehabilitation of roads and commissioning of boreholes for nearby Villages, as well as the continued construction of the Mafuti Maternity Clinic at Pickstone Mine. A further investment of over US$100,000 is planned for the remainder of the year.

Mafuti Mother's Clinic Construction Progress Pickstone September 2023
Mafuti Mother’s Clinic Construction Progress Pickstone September 2023

What has been the response of the communities regarding the ESG initiatives your company is currently undertaking? 

The response from the surrounding communities has been largely positive as our operations bring not only employment opportunities but also the development of infrastructure in the surrounding areas, including schools and health facilities.

Commissioning of Borehole at Muzika Primary School Eureka Mine
Commissioning of Borehole at Muzika Primary School Eureka Mine

Do you have a mine closure strategy and what does it say in strategy? 

We do have Mine closure strategies in place for both of our mines and these are constantly being adjusted and updated according to any developments in our operations. The primary objectives of our closure plans are as follows:

  • To ensure the mine, processing site and associated infrastructure are returned to a state as close as possible to the original.
  • To ensure any mine infrastructure, and associated impacts not completely returned to their original state have the potential to be of use to the local community and stakeholders for socially or economically viable activities.
  • To ensure the site is made safe for humans and animals.
  • To ensure the site is left physically, chemically, and biologically stable.
  • Closure is achieved efficiently and cost-effectively with minimal social and economic upheaval.
  • To ensure sufficient funds are available to achieve the closure objectives.

Can you please give us a list of Dallaglio’s ESG initiatives since its inception? 

Dallaglio’s Initiatives are as follows:

  • The establishment of Pickstone Milling Centre for the small-scale mining community in the area, where ore from tributed claims is brought to the milling centre by the small-scale miners. The company crushes and mills this ore, and the miners retain the free gold, while the company benefits from processing of the remaining sands.
  • Construction of a Mother’s Shelter at Mafuti Clinic near Pickstone to provide delivery beds, prenatal beds and other facilities for pregnant women awaiting delivery with the aim to reduce the mortality rate of mothers and their babies.
  • Rehabilitation of the main road in the Grey City- Muroiwa and Mazhambe villages near Guruve, as well as grading of the Pickstone-Chegutu Road.
  • Installation and commissioning of solar and manual boreholes at health facilities, schools and villages in the communities near Pickstone and Eureka.
  • Donations of learning materials, including stationery and textbooks, to primary and secondary schools in the communities surrounding Pickstone and Eureka.
  • Grading of school grounds at local schools.
  • Repair of infrastructure and facilities in local areas, including construction of adequate ablution facilities at schools and clinics.
  • Ad hoc donations to local government, including ZRP and traditional leadership, to assist in carrying out duties and for traditional ceremonies.
  • As far as possible, there is priority employment of people from surrounding communities.
  • Internal graduate programs for training and employment of young, local talent.

What do you think needs to be done for mining companies to adhere to ESG initiatives?

In my view, commitment from the Board and senior leadership is required to ensure a solid foundation for effective ESG programs, I believe adherence will then follow. At Dallaglio, we are privileged to be guided by a Board and senior leadership team who fully understand and accept the extent of our social responsibility as a mining company and play a key role in driving our ESG initiatives forward.

This article first appeared in issue 69 of the Mining Zimbabwe magazine

Exploring the Rich History of the Umkondo Basin

TEPE
-
0
Exploring the Rich History of the Umkondo Basin

In October 2023 Mining Zimbabwe and other Media outlets were invited to the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) to have an appreciation of how the Diamond miner was faring in terms of production. We spoke to the Exploration Manager who took us through the history of the Umkondo basin.

My name is Mr Hopewell Mvura I am the ZCDC Exploration Manager. What we are seeing here is a conglomerate unit where we are mining for diamonds within the ZCDC shares of formation.

This is what we refer to in geological terms as the Umkondo Basin.

The Umkondo Basin is more of a fallen basin which was formed more than 1.2 million years ago and it is more of an alluvial deposit where material was transported from various sources and deposited within this basin.

The basin resembles what we refer to as more of an ocean area.

Just like in the current days, you know that streams are eroding and are transporting material all the way to the ocean. So sedimentary units were deposited within this Umkondo Basin, which is a fallen basin.

At the bottom of this basin, we’ve got what we refer to as a Conglomerate rock, which is the one which was our diamonds here in Chiadzwa. On top of that conglomerate rock, you’ve got what we refer to as the grit. The grit also has got some diamonds. But the diamonds in the grit are quite small and the big diamonds are found within the conglomerate unit.

So the conglomerate unit consists mainly of clasts that are more of sedimentary material and then the clasts are more of quartz. Then they are cemented and consolidated by some calcite or iron material, which has managed to make the conglomerate more consolidated and more competent. So the diamonds within the conglomerate are quite big compared to what you find within the grit. That is a layer which is above the conglomerate.

The thickness of the conglomerate is about one meter, plus or minus and there are areas where the thickness can be just a few centimeters. But in terms of diamond deposition, we’ve realized that the concentration is per unit area, not per unit volume. So this deposit, in terms of grades, it is a high-grade deposit.

There are areas where we can get grades which are as high as 1,000 CPHT. That is carats per 100 tons. If we mine 100 tons, we’ll be able to get plus or minus 1,000 carats. There are areas like that. But on average, we are getting grades around 500 CPHT on the whole of this concession.

In terms of the quality of the diamonds, we are getting more of a gem quantity. The gems are in the range of plus or minus 20% gems. The greater part are what we refer to as bots, or many people refer to them as industrial diamonds, which are more on the low-quality side.

The other thing I would like you to understand is the main source of diamond, or the conceit, which is responsible for bringing diamond to the surface, is what we refer to in geological terms as a kimberlite pipe or a labradorite.

So the source of this Chiadzwa diamond is not known at the moment. There have been different schools of thought. However, most people, tend to think that the source could be continental. Not necessarily that is close to where we are right now. The source is most likely continental, which means there is a kimberlite pipe which is sitting somewhere else, whose source we don’t know. It was exposed to the surface, and then it was eroded. As it was eroded, the diamonds were now transported and deposited within this massive Umukondo Basin.

This is where we are mining at the moment. And the Umukondo Basin stretches all the way from Chiadzwa. It gets to Chimaniman. So in Chimanimani, we’ve got another operation, which we refer to as the Port of Chimanimani. But that one, we are mining our diamonds within the upper part of the Umukondo Basin, which is the same basin as where we are right now. So there is massive potential in terms of mining.

There is massive potential in terms of more exploration work, which is part of our expansion program and the exploration program so that we are able to determine more diamond resources.

So as far as our resource statement is concerned, right now, we’ve managed to confirm plus or minus 56 million carats of diamonds, which are still to be mined here and then in terms of the depths, our mining has been concentrated to less than 50 meters from the surface. As you can see from this pit, which is behind me, we’ve gone up to plus or minus 40 meters from the surface. So we are mining along strike, where there is much stripping. However, a lot of work has been done to a depth of about 300 meters from the surface in terms of drilling. So we have confirmed the existence of this conglomerate layer, even up to 300 meters from the surface.

So there is greater potential for this unit. I think.

This article appeared in the issue 69 of the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine

Implats to hold memorial as Impala Rustenburg death toll rises to 13

TEPE
-
0
Implats to hold memorial as Impala Rustenburg death toll rises to 13

Parent company to ZIMPLATS, Implats, has confirmed that another employee injured in a safety incident at its Impala Rustenburg Shaft 11 operation on November 27 died at the weekend – taking the death toll to 13.

Eleven employees were killed and 75 injured on November 27 when the personnel conveyance, also known as a lift or elevator, at 11 Shaft, unexpectedly descended at a rapid rate.

The lift came to a sudden stop at 20 level, about 180 m below 17 level close to the bottom of 11 Shaft, when the counterweight, which balances the conveyance system reached the top of the winding infrastructure on the surface, and as designed, was caught in jack catches.

Implats explained at the time that this resulted in a sudden, almost instantaneous deceleration, the force of which severely impacted the 86 employees who were standing upright in the three levels of the lift at the time.

Another employee succumbed to their injuries on November 29.

As at December 4, 23 employees had been discharged from hospital, while another 50 remained in hospital – eight of whom are in critical care.

In collaboration with the families of affected employees, Implats has set aside December 6 as a day of remembrance for its employees.

“A memorial service will be held at Impala Rustenburg to allow for our employees to come together to honour the memory of our lost, injured and affected colleagues. In line with the wishes of the families involved, Implats will only release the names of our deceased colleagues on the day of the memorial service,” the company says.

Mining Weekly

Gas deposit discovered at Mukuyu2 well in Muzarabani

TEPE
-
0
Gas deposit discovered at Mukuyu2 well in Muzarabani

Australia Stock Exchange-listed oil and gas exploration company Invictus Energy has confirmed a significant gas discovery at its Mukuyu2 exploration well at the Cabora Bassa Project in Zimbabwe.

Rudairo Mapuranga

According to Invictus Managing Director Scott MacMillan, a total of four hydrocarbon samples were recovered to the surface from two separate zones in the Upper Angwa using the wireline formation testing tool. A further two formation water samples were recovered from the Basal Pebbly Arkoseformation.

He said gas and fluid properties from the recovered samples will be confirmed following laboratory testing once the sample bottles are dispatched from the rig for analysis and no additional fluid samples were captured to preserve the wireline formation sampling tool and remaining sample chambers for use in the interpreted Lower Angwa hydrocarbon-bearing zones where thicker sandstone units were penetrated in Mukuyu-2.

He said, significant additional gross sands were intersected within the Upper Angwa gas leg but are below the current net reservoir cut-off. These intervals may have better reservoir development elsewhere in the Mukuyu field and along with the refinement to the net pay criteria represent additional upside. Further appraisal and technical evaluation of log, core, seismic and well test data is required to determine the full extent of the resource size.

“We are delighted to declare a gas discovery from the Mukuyu-2 sidetrack well in the Upper Angwa formation.

“The discovery represents one of the most significant developments in the onshore Southern Africa oil and gas industry for decades.

“I’m extremely proud to be involved with the Invictus team and our partners in opening up one of the last untested rift basins. The perseverance and hard work of our dedicated team have paid off.

“The Company has delivered an exceptional result from the first two wells drilled in Mukuyu, which provides us with significant running room in our large portfolio of prospects and leads for further discoveries in our acreage in the Cabora Bassa basin.

“The Mukuyu-2 discovery, 7km away and 450 meters up-dip of the Mukuyu-1 well, which can subsequently be classified as a discovery, provides confirmation of the large potential of the Mukuyu field which has a structural closure of over 200km2.

“With additional hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs ahead, the focus now is to complete the drilling and evaluation program and obtain further wireline data including fluid samples to declare an additional discovery from the Lower Angwa formation.”

Forward plan

The Exalo Rig 202 will drill ahead toward the sidetrack section Total Depth at approximately 3,400mMD through Lower Angwa reservoirs where multiple zones interpreted from logs to be hydrocarbon bearing were intersected in Mukuyu2.

Following the conclusion of the drilling of the 8 ½ inch hoe section, the sidetrack well will be logged including wireline formation testing and fluid sampling and final results provided.

Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram 5 December 2023

TEPE
-
0
Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram 5 December 2023

Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) official gold buying prices/ gram. See the Zimbabwe gold buying prices/ gram today 5 December 2023.

SG 90% AND ABOVE US$62.25/g
SG ABOVE 85% BUT BELOW 90% US$61.59g
SG ABOVE 80% BUT BELOW 85% US$60.93/g
SG ABOVE 75% BUT BELOW 80% US$60.27/g
SAMPLE BELOW 10g BUT ABOVE 5g US$59.29/g
FIRE ASSAY CASH US$62.58/g

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

Cash available. Fidelity Gold Refinery prices will be changing daily to match world market prices.

Yes Captain! Interview Fazilla Mukazi – Shift boss, (PROTO) brigade’s person

TEPE
-
0
Yes Captain! Interview Fazilla Mukazi – Shift boss, (PROTO) brigade’s person

Meet Fazilla Kudzai Mukazi, a passionate and dedicated Mining Engineer currently serving as a Shift Boss at Bulawayo Mining Company (BMC)‘s How Mine, a gold producer located in Bulawayo.

With extensive experience in shaft sinking, rock mass support system design, and Mine Rescue, Fazilla has proven herself as an invaluable asset in the Zimbabwe industry. Despite facing challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, Mukazi has thrived leading several departments such as Mine Rescue (PROTO) serving as the brigade’s person where she is the only woman. According to “Captain” Mukazi her goal is to stay updated on technological advancements in mining and contribute to the growth of the Zimbabwean mining industry.

We interviewed Engineer Mukazi who recently went viral on Facebook for the “Yes Captain” video at the Mine Rescue Competitions of 2023. Here is the interaction below:-

Can you give us a brief introduction of yourself?

I am Fazilla Kudzai Mukazi, aged 28. Currently employed at Bulawayo Mining Company as Mining Shiftboss. I am a Mining Engineer by profession (UZ) currently serving as a Mine Rescue (PROTO) brigade’s person.

What drove you to consider Mining as a career?

Insightful Career guidance sessions at High school. Professional individuals from various fields and experience conducted the sessions which really had an impact on our career choices. Despite facing discouragement, I persevered and pursued a career as a Mining Engineer. This decision turned out to be a good choice for me. Much gratitude is expressed towards my parents for unwaveringly supporting my chosen career path.

You are currently plying your trade as Shift Boss at BMC. What are your responsibilities and achievements in this role?

I was recently appointed this year as shift boss. I am responsible for Mine re-entries soon after Primary Blasting, manning production in all sections, enforcing safety regulations and optimum utilization of machinery and labour.

How do you ensure the enforcement of safety regulations in all sections as a Shift Boss?

Mining used to be regarded as one of the most dangerous jobs until safety regulations were formed for sustainable mining. Zimbabwean Mining is governed by statutory instruments such as SI 109 OF 1990, SI 72 of 1989 etc and the Mine tailor-made standard operating procedures. As a shift boss, the aim is to ensure all workmen are conversant with these regulations and working standards through refresher training and safety talks before the start of shifts.

What were your responsibilities as an Overseer Miner at Bulawayo Mining Company?

My responsibilities were Enforcing safety regulations in the Main development section. Section planning leading and monitoring ensuring the optimum utilization of machinery and labor. Enforcing adherence to Mining standards and achievement of the benchmarked efficiencies targets. I gained vast experience from the Shaft sinking Project, availing a new Mining block to all the Sublevel Open Stoping production areas. As the Main Development Section miner, I was in charge of 60 people. I had to ensure the safety of workmen and optimize labour and machinery utilization as I was working on availing one of the main production areas which is one of my achievements at BMC.

Can you tell us about your experience in shaft sinking and shaft equipping at BMC?

Shaft sinking is a critical stage in underground mining operations as it is a complex and challenging task. I would say it is one of the most intriguing experiences that every miner dreams of having. I have had the opportunity to be part of the entire mining cycle in both shaft sinking and shaft equipping. Depending on the technologies adopted, planning, precise execution and adherence to strict safety protocols are critical. I can confidently state that I have gained significant experience through my involvement in the ongoing shaft-sinking process at BMC.

Can you elaborate on your role as a qualified brigade person for the BMC Mine Rescue Response Team (PROTO)?

BMC Mine Rescue Response Team (PROTO) is a specialized team that remains on standby to respond promptly to any potential disasters or emergencies within the west zone. As one of the captains, my role involves planning activities, leading the team, maintaining their welfare and ensuring their readiness. This includes maintaining their physical fitness through regular training and exercises. By conducting drills and simulations, we aim to enhance our skills and readiness to respond effectively in real-life scenarios and promote safety awareness throughout the mine.

Mining Zimbabwe shot a video (which has had over 22 000 views on Facebook and 36000 impressions on LinkedIn) where you were giving instructions to your rescue team which comprised 100% men. It has earned you the reputation of being an “Iron Woman”. As a woman do you face any challenges working with and leading men?

My experience in the mining industry has been primarily focused on two mines: Mimosa Mines and Bulawayo Mining Company. These organizations have placed a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, creating an environment that is conducive to my growth as a Mining Engineer. I have been fortunate to receive equal opportunities and support from my male counterparts, ranging from management to subordinates, hence no hectic challenges faced.

Describe the project you undertook at Mimosa Mine, designing a new rock mass support system. What were the objectives and outcomes of the project?

Mimosa Mines had initiated undertaking a mining project in a highly fractured area. The main objective was to design and implement a robust rock mass support system to ensure the safe mining of the orebody. To achieve this, advanced mining software such as PHASE 2 and Rocklab were utilized to simulate the stresses on various excavation designs. This allowed for the development of an optimum design that would not only make the mining of the ores profitable but also ensure the safety of both workers and machinery involved in the mining process.

Some people are of the opinion that Mining is for men, your comments on that?

So far, I have managed and I know a number of females who are doing extremely well, some are my role models. I can confidently say that I am living proof that mining is a field open to anyone willing to put in the effort. Contrary to popular belief, mining is not selective based on gender orientation. Like any other field, it requires a certain level of commitment and dedication. With hard work, compliance, and genuine interest, anyone can succeed in this industry.

What are your future career development goals within the mining industry? How do you plan to contribute positively to the growth of the Zim industry?

To remain acquainted with the latest technological advancements in mining as the industry is in transition to the fourth industrial revolution. It is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in mineral exploration, extraction, and processing technologies. As minerals are a non-renewable resource, some mineral deposits will soon require advanced technology to extract and process, and I can be a valuable asset in the continuous growth of our mining industry.

If there are things you would change in the Zimbabwe Mining industry what will those be?

From a brigade person perspective, it is evident that there is a pressing need for increased community engagement in order to raise awareness about mining safety. The mining industry is currently facing numerous challenges, particularly with regard to artisanal mining disasters. As a mining engineer, I strongly believe that it is crucial for professionals in the field to be well-versed in advanced technologies and to implement them in their respective work areas. This not only leads to potential profit gains and world prestige but also ensures the safety of workers, especially considering the fact that many mineral deposits are now located at deeper underground levels.

Tarisai wishes to be like you. What is your advice to her to reach where you are?

Dear Tarisai I have been fortunate enough to enter the industry through hard work, starting from my education and working towards securing a position within the field. Over time, the industry has embraced the agenda of women’s empowerment, dispelling the myth of it being a “men-only” zone. Today, there are limitless opportunities available within the industry, and one can dream as big as they desire. However, it is crucial to have proper career guidance from experienced individuals who have already made their mark in the industry.

Besides the Mining business, what is Fazi into?

I really try hard on the work-life balance. I recently joined a golf club, which I find quite interesting. In my spare time, I enjoy culinary and hair plaiting, which are hobbies that bring me joy and relaxation.

This article first appeared in issue 70 of the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine first distributed at the Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe (AMMZ) AGM and Conference 2023

1...313314315...761Page 314 of 761