Zimbabwe’s outdated ventilation laws are set to come under scrutiny at the upcoming Mine Ventilation Society of Zimbabwe (MVSZ) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Symposium, scheduled for 30 and 31 October 2025 in Bulawayo. The event will provide a key platform for reviewing and aligning the country’s mine ventilation framework with modern safety standards, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
Over the years, ventilation in underground mines has proved vital for worker safety, helping remove harmful gases, dust, and other pollutants. Yet in Zimbabwe, current laws are outdated and unclear, leaving gaps in oversight and enforcement.
With the MVSZ AGM and Symposium fast approaching, Dr Tonderai Chikande, the president of the society, said the event will serve as a call to action for the review of ventilation legislation.
“Ventilation legislation is the backbone of safe mining. This year’s AGM is a call to modernise our legal framework. Current laws are outdated and don’t reflect today’s risks (e.g., diesel fleets, deep mining, ASM). Good regulation strengthens industry and protects lives. Together, through this symposium and AGM, we are laying the foundation for a mining sector that is not only productive but principled,” Chikande said.
As of now, the Mines and Minerals Act and the Mining Management and Safety Regulations (SI 109 of 1990) provide general safety guidance but fail to define responsibilities for ventilation or set modern technical standards for air quality.
Adding to that, the recent reforms under the Mines and Minerals Bill, which is intended to replace the existing Mines and Minerals Act, have failed to address key ventilation challenges.
While the bill seeks to modernise Zimbabwe’s mining legislation, it provides limited guidance on air quality management and does not clarify roles for overseeing ventilation in modern, mechanised mines. Exposure limits for dust, smoke, and gases remain outdated, leaving workers vulnerable in deeper operations.
The AGM and Symposium will provide a forum for industry stakeholders, regulators, and mining professionals to discuss practical solutions.
Discussions will focus on clarifying responsibilities, updating technical standards, and integrating modern technologies to improve air quality underground. Regional lessons, particularly from South Africa—where ventilation standards are regularly updated—will inform the debate.
By combining legislative review with operational best practices, the MVSZ aims to guide Zimbabwe’s mining sector toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable operations. Attendees will explore ways to protect workers, enhance productivity, and build a culture of excellence in ventilation management.
Meanwhile, this year’s event will run under the theme “Optimising Ventilation Systems for Operational Excellence.”
