Pickstone Peerless Reports Gassing Fatality

Pickstone Peerless Mine

Dallaglio’s Pickstone Peerless Mine reported a tragic gassing incident in the third quarter ending September 2024, resulting in the death of an employee, Mining Zimbabwe has learned.

By Ryan Chigoche

The incident occurred on September 29, 2024, when the employee succumbed to inhaling noxious gases. This loss marks a setback in the mine’s safety record, which had previously achieved an impressive milestone of 74,085 fatality-free shifts.

Following the tragedy, the company issued a statement confirming plans to review safety protocols and enforce stricter adherence to safety measures moving forward.

This fatality adds to the growing number of gassing-related incidents in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Before this incident, the country had recorded 11 gassing accidents, resulting in 12 fatalities.

Recently, the government urged ventilation practitioners to invest in advanced technologies to mitigate the increasing number of gassing accidents, particularly in the small-scale mining sector, which has recorded the highest number of such fatalities.

Zimbabwe has grappled with persistent fatalities caused by gas exposure in mining. Despite technological advancements, this challenge remains unresolved. One of the most catastrophic events in the country’s mining history occurred on June 6, 1972, at the Wankie Number 2 mine, where 427 miners lost their lives in a methane gas explosion. Although safety protocols have improved since then, deadly incidents involving toxic gas exposure continue to occur, underscoring the need for stronger preventive measures and lessons fully learned from past tragedies.

Proper ventilation in mining operations is critical to ensuring the safety and health of workers, especially in Zimbabwe. Poor ventilation heightens the risks associated with harmful gases such as methane and carbon monoxide, which can accumulate in confined spaces.

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Both large- and small-scale mining operations face challenges related to gassing. A significant factor contributing to these incidents is the failure to adhere to safety regulations, particularly protocols for re-entering mines after blasting. These regulations are crucial in minimizing exposure to harmful gases, but their enforcement remains inconsistent across the industry.

To address this challenge, several key actions must be prioritized:

  1. Installation of Gas Detectors: Real-time air quality monitoring is essential to detect hazardous gas levels and prevent fatalities by promptly alerting workers to dangerous conditions.
  2. Adoption of Advanced Safety Technologies: Improved ventilation systems and enhanced monitoring capabilities can significantly reduce risks in mining operations.
  3. Government Oversight: Strengthening and enforcing regulations through regular audits is critical to ensuring compliance and holding companies accountable for maintaining safe working conditions.
  4. Institutional Support: Organizations such as the Mine Ventilation Society of Zimbabwe (MVSZ) must be better equipped and empowered to advocate for safer practices.

Beyond stricter regulations and technological advancements, a collaborative approach is vital. Partnerships between the government, mining companies, safety organizations, and local communities are necessary to address safety concerns comprehensively. By adopting a multi-faceted strategy, Zimbabwe can reduce gas-related fatalities and ensure all miners, particularly those in small-scale operations, have access to tools and knowledge to work safely.

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