In a significant step towards enhancing mine safety and emergency response in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, the Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe (MRAZ) has officially commissioned a new rescue team for Pan African Mines, marking a major boost for rescue operations in the northern region.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The commissioning of the Pan African Mines rescue team is expected to bolster the country’s overall mine rescue capabilities, particularly in the North Zone, where the availability of such teams has historically been limited.
Speaking during the commissioning, Anselm Mapako, the MRAZ North Zone Regional Coordinator, underscored the importance of this development.
“This commissioning has actually helped the association,” said Mapako. “The fact that Pan African Mines has more than one mine and also, in this zone, we were lacking in terms of mine rescue teams that are available for these operations. So, the commissioning of this team has added another one, which means the rescue operations are going to be much easier for the zone.”
Pan African Mines operates Ayrshire Mine and Muriel Mine within the region, and the introduction of their dedicated rescue team is seen as a much-needed reinforcement for the North Zone. With this addition, the region now has a greater capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to mining-related emergencies, safeguarding the lives of mine workers and minimizing risks in hazardous situations.
Mine rescue teams are critical to ensuring the safety of Zimbabwe’s miners, particularly in the event of disasters such as underground collapses, explosions, or hazardous gas leaks. These teams undergo specialized training in first aid, navigation, and emergency extraction techniques, allowing them to perform complex rescues under challenging conditions.
The MRAZ plays a pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing these teams across the country, ensuring that Zimbabwe remains prepared for mining emergencies. With the commissioning of the Pan African Mining rescue team, the North Zone now has stronger operational readiness and more resources to deploy in case of an incident.
This development is part of MRAZ’s broader mission to improve mine rescue preparedness across Zimbabwe. The association continues to work closely with mining companies to commission more teams, providing the necessary training, equipment, and support to maintain high safety standards in the mining industry.
As the mining sector continues to grow, so does the need for robust safety measures and rapid-response teams. The introduction of the Pan African Mines rescue team not only strengthens the North Zone’s ability to handle emergencies but also reflects Zimbabwe’s ongoing commitment to enhancing mine safety across the country.
With improved rescue capacity in place, the MRAZ remains focused on ensuring that all mining zones are equipped with adequate rescue resources, promoting the well-being of workers and furthering the development of safe mining practices in Zimbabwe.
