School of Mines, ZELA trains 36 ASM technical response teams
In an effort to promote safety and health in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, the Zimbabwe School of Mines in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) yesterday trained 36 ASM technical response teams from Bubi, Gwanda Zvishavane and Shurugwi to promote the effective and safe use of first aid.
Rudairo Mapuranga
The School of Mines and ZELA also took the opportunity to expand training of the teams on miner rescue practices and technologies so as to reduce mine accidents in the ASM sector.
“ZELA, School of Mines and partners are encouraging Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners to adopt best practices in their operations.
“In our endeavour to promote the effective and safe use of first aid and miner rescue practices and technologies in the ASM in Zimbabwe we are training 36 ASM technical response teams from Bubi, Gwanda Zvishavane and Shurugwi,” ZELA said.
Earlier this year, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando warned small-scale and artisanal miners who are not working in compliance with the dictates of the laws of Zimbabwe that they risk losing mining certificates.
Minister Chitando said the government will not renew licences for non-compliant miners who are not adhering to sustainable mining practices, marketing laws, tax regimes and labour laws.
The Minister said that the government will deal with issues of environmental degradation happening in mining communities by making sure that before the commencement of any extraction of resources miners should have an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate.
He said that the government was not going to renew any mining certificates for miners with no EIA certificates. He also ensured the ASM sector that a special EIA certificate specifically for them has been designed.
“I’m sure we are all aware that once you get your mining certificate or concession, it is not yet the approval to commence mining. One has to submit the sight of works plan to the Ministry, one has to get an EIA certificate and there is an abridged version of the EIA certificate specifically for the ASM sector. Every miner must comply with responsible mining laws. The level of environmental degradation taking place in some areas is simply unacceptable. We will as the government before the renewal of any mining concession ensure that environmental laws are adhered to,” Chitando said.