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The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Hon. Winston Chitando, has issued a stern nationwide advisory to all miners, imploring extreme caution following the onset of the life-threatening rainy season, a directive issued after some miners have already lost their lives to flooding-related incidents this season, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking to the media today, Minister Chitando emphasised that the seasonal rains dramatically elevate risks in mining operations, transforming pits and shafts into potential death traps. The Ministry highlighted acute dangers including sudden shaft flooding, ground collapses, slimes dam breaches, and drowning.
“The onset of the rainy season brings with it grave dangers and risks that are a threat to lives and potential loss of equipment,” stated Minister Chitando. “Regrettably, we have already lost lives this rainy season due to flooding—something that could have been avoided.”
The Minister outlined non-negotiable safety protocols for all mining sectors, from large-scale operations to artisanal miners. Key directives include:
An immediate cessation of work in or near waterways and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
A complete ban on the highly dangerous practice of “pillar robbing” underground, which destabilises mine structures.
Avoiding excavation or blasting in old, water-logged mine workings where ground stability is compromised.
The imperative is to conduct thorough risk assessments before any underground entry and to halt all operations if threats are identified.
The statement underscored a fundamental principle in the face of economic pressure: “Let us remember that human life is by far worth more than any mineral, so let’s preserve it.”
The Ministry’s advisory also calls for full cooperation with government authorities on the ground, signalling that inspections and enforcement of safety measures will be intensified during this high-risk period. Miners are urged to prioritise safety protocols, including diverting free-flowing water from work sites, to prevent further avoidable tragedies.
