MVSZ Commits to Auditing Mines Ventilation Lab and Recommending Technology
The Mine Ventilation Society of Zimbabwe (MVSZ) has committed to auditing the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s Ventilation Lab in Gweru. MVSZ will recommend the latest available technology and provide training on how to use the new equipment, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe Annual General Meeting, held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Bulawayo, MVSZ Chairman Joshua Tigere emphasized that the society has the experience and technical expertise to train practitioners at the lab and recommend technology that aligns with today’s challenges.
“To complement that, we are also going to offer training on the use of the recommended technology. Since I lead the training arm of the Ventilation Society of Zimbabwe and also conduct practical training for the Chamber of Mines of South Africa, I believe we have the competence to train all mine inspectors on the instruments that will be housed in that lab,” said Tigere.
Chief Government Mining Engineer, Eng. Michael Munodawafa, expressed his appreciation for MVSZ’s support, saying, “Thank you so much. I believe I’ve got something valuable to take with me. It’s great when there is someone willing to help us. I think this is something we’ve been waiting for — someone who can assist in finding that solution. Through your invitation, as MVSZ mentioned, I’m happy to leave with something tangible.”
The importance of proper mine ventilation cannot be overstated, especially in a country like Zimbabwe, where gaps in safety standards persist. Ventilation in underground mines is critical to ensure the safety of workers, providing a flow of fresh air to remove hazardous gases, dust, and heat, which can lead to life-threatening conditions if unchecked.
Zimbabwe’s mining industry faces numerous challenges related to the complexity of its ventilation legislation. Many mines, especially artisanal and small-scale ones, struggle to meet safety requirements due to limited access to modern technology and insufficient regulatory oversight. The legislation governing mine ventilation in Zimbabwe was designed to protect workers, yet enforcement is inconsistent, leaving many mines at risk of dangerous conditions underground.
Ventilation standards vary depending on the type of mining operation. For large-scale operations, such as those run by multinational companies, ventilation systems are generally state-of-the-art, adhering to global best practices. However, smaller mines often lack the resources or technical expertise to implement such systems, resulting in hazardous working environments.
A significant gap in Zimbabwe’s ventilation regulations is the lack of a comprehensive framework that addresses all types of mining operations. Current legislation often focuses on large-scale mining, overlooking the particular needs and risks associated with small-scale and artisanal mining. As a result, smaller operations frequently operate with outdated or inadequate ventilation systems, putting miners’ lives at risk.
To bridge these gaps, the MVSZ’s initiative to audit the Ministry of Mines’ ventilation lab and recommend modern technology represents a crucial step forward. By providing expert recommendations and training, the society hopes to enhance the capacity of mine inspectors and practitioners, ensuring that mines across Zimbabwe can maintain safe and efficient ventilation systems.