The tragic loss of four lives at Pickstone Peerless Mine in Chegutu has prompted renewed calls from the government and industry leaders for urgent reforms to improve safety and foster better relationships between large-scale mines and artisanal miners, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The incident, caused by an unauthorised underground blast allegedly carried out by illegal miners, resulted in the collapse of an open pit, trapping five people underground. One was rescued, while four others perished.
Speaking at the scene, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Polite Kambamura, condemned the illegal mining activities and promised tougher penalties in the near future.
“In future, if anyone is caught doing this, the government is going to come up with a deterrent, not just fines, but jail time. We want people to mine responsibly. We want sustainability, we don’t want loss of life — we want smart gold,” Kambamura said.
He urged large-scale mining companies to collaborate more with surrounding communities, especially artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), to improve safety and environmental practices.
“We implore large-scale miners to establish good working relationships with small-scale miners. Share knowledge, help monitor safety, and guide them towards formalisation. This is key to responsible and sustainable mining,” he added.
Dallaglio Tightens Security Measures
Dallaglio Investments, the owners of Pickstone Peerless Mine, confirmed the details of the collapse and said they are assessing additional measures to enhance site security and prevent future tragedies.
“The open pit’s structure was compromised by an illegal blast, which caused the collapse,” said Dallaglio CEO James Beare. “We’re evaluating options, including pit lighting, increased patrols, surveillance cameras, and drones to prevent unauthorised access and enhance safety.”
Beare acknowledged the need for deeper engagement with surrounding communities and said the company is committed to playing its part in fostering safer mining environments.
Time to Formalise ASM
The government has for years been pushing for the formalisation of ASM to promote safer practices and enhance the sector’s contribution to the economy. Despite their significant role in gold production, most artisanal miners operate informally, often without proper training, licences, or equipment.
“This accident is a wake-up call. Formalisation is not about policing miners — it’s about protecting them,” said Deputy Minister Kambamura. “We want a system that supports safe, legal, and productive mining.”
He emphasised that formalised ASM could access training, financial support, and technical guidance from both government and private players like Dallaglio, reducing the risks of such fatal accidents.
Safety at the Core of Mining Growth
As Zimbabwe seeks to grow its mining sector by 2030, the issue of safety, especially in the informal sector, has become a national priority. The Pickstone Peerless Mine disaster is one of several fatal incidents in recent years linked to unsafe artisanal mining.
Industry experts argue that without inclusive policies and stronger cooperation between mining companies, regulators, and communities, such tragedies will continue.
The Deputy Minister said the government remains committed to dialogue and developing policies that not only grow the mining sector but also protect lives.
“This is no longer about production figures only,” Kambamura said. “It’s about lives, communities, and ensuring that when the mining is done, our people still have a future to look forward to.”
