Responsible Mining Audit to Enhance SHEQ in ASM – Minister
The Responsible Mining Audit Report will prepare a strategy for the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to use in regard to Safety Health and Environment Quality (SHEQ) in the artisanal and small-scale mining industry, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Zhemu Soda has hinted.
Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s third Gold Mobilisation workshop on Monday, Minister Soda said the report will guide the government on steps that need to be taken to ensure sustainable mining by the Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners in the country.
The Minister said the report is well written and recommendations well elaborated as the Ministry of Mines had an opportunity to visit over 400 ASM-run mining sites to compile the report.
“On the 10th of May HE launched the responsible mining initiative. Following the launch the Ministry then conducted a responsible audit of our mines. About 422 sights were visited and a report has since been compiled and it will soon be tabled before the cabinet. It is that report which will inform the government on the next steps that need to be taken, to also give protection and assistance to the small-scale miners but our desire is whenever mining is taking place let’s put safety first,” Minister Soda said.
The Responsible Mining Audit was conducted countrywide between May and June this year to establish if mining companies were complying with requirements relating to the submission of production returns as required by law.
Furthermore, the audit also sought to establish a framework that fosters responsible mining practices while guaranteeing the well-being of the communities and environments where mining activities are taking place.
The Government has decided to increase oversight over all mining activities in the country to curb malpractices.
Recently, in a fall of-ground incident at BayHorse Mine in Chegutu a 150m Mine shaft collapsed with reports placing deaths at four.
Mine accidents in Zimbabwe have been on the rise with the country recording 125 accidents and 139 fatalities during the first 3 quarters of 2022.