Ministry of Mines Receives a Vehicle to Enhance Mine Safety
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has received a vehicle from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), a gesture aimed at improving the safety of artisanal miners in their operations, the ILO reported.
By Patricia Rwafa
The vehicle was presented to Minister Winston Chitando at the Ministry’s offices in Harare.
The white Jeep is expected to improve the livelihoods of artisanal miners by providing reliable transportation for equipment and materials to and from mining sites.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare on Wednesday, ILO Director Philile Masuku emphasized the significance of the vehicle for both artisanal miners and the organization.
“Gemstone mining in Hurungwe and Karoi has greatly enhanced the ministry’s capacity to assist artisanal miners in improving their work and livelihoods.
“We’re excited to continue working with the ministry to promote safe, sustainable, and profitable artisanal mining in Zimbabwe. Over 200 artisanal miners will receive training from the ILO on how to make their work safer.”
Masuku added, “The ILO is also assisting the ministry in developing key policies and strategies for Zimbabwe’s mining sector, such as the Minerals Development Policy and the Artisanal Small-Scale Miner Strategy.”
“We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of everyone involved. We would like to thank the AfDB for their generous support, the government of Zimbabwe for its strong partnership, and all the stakeholders who are working to improve the lives of artisanal miners and their communities,” she said.
At the ceremony, Minister Chitando expressed his hope that the organization would explore additional areas of partnership to create jobs, especially for women and young people within the sector.
“This vehicle is a step towards formalizing the sector and empowering our communities, particularly women and youth.
“We are partners in the National Vision to achieve an Upper-Middle-Income Economy by 2030 and in the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
“We look forward to your continued support in identifying other areas where jobs, particularly for women and youth, can be created.”
The International Labour Organization is dedicated to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, staying true to its founding mission that labour peace is essential to prosperity.