The Association of Mines Managers of Zimbabwe (AMMZ) last week visited Mimosa Mine’s first quarter technical visit of the year 2023.
The visit saw record attendance from large-scale Mine Managers and stakeholders across the mining value chain.
The theme for the visit was embracing technology and Mining sustainably.
The over 100 visitors were split into two teams with one team visiting the processing plant and the other going underground.
After going through the underground Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Induction by Mr Manatse Nongaishe, the underground team then proceeded to put on safety wear and headed for the transport vehicles.
The teams were transported in various MV–U40D-GT general-purpose transport utility vehicles and descended underground through the Hwedza Ramp.
Location Underground
The underground team took on a 5km journey that led us to north seven where we disembarked at the waiting area.
“North seven is classified underground control district D, 70% D 30% E meaning we are mining 6-metre galleys when we have ground that is ground classification D and 5-metre galleys when we have bad ground which is our class E,” a Mimosa’s representative Eng Freedom Chikona said.
A question and answer session ensued with various topics being responded to by the Mimosa Team led by Chikona.
In case of emergency
Chikona spoke about safety in case of emergency, outlining the positions of the refugee chambers. A refuge chamber is a sealed environment built to sustain life during an emergency or hazardous situation.
“In the section, we have two refugee chambers and another one near the 36 level in case of emergency. The one near 36 level is a hundred metres away from this waiting area,” Chikona said.
Automated surveillance of gases
When asked about the presence of automated surveillance of gas, Eng Chikona said there are critical areas where gas surveillance sensors are connected and monitored in the control centre at the surface.
“…There are some critical areas that we have placed a system which has got sensors connected to the surface at the control centre where levels of gases are monitored. We are in the process of ensuring the whole mine is covered,” he responded.
Transport and Machinery
The underground teams were transported by MV–U40D-GT general-purpose transport utility vehicles which carried a total of 10 passengers each. With an operating weight of 3960kg and a maximum payload of 4000kg the MV–U40D-GT has a length of 6969mm, a width of 1700mm, a height of 1400mm wheelbase of 2715mm and a ground clearance of 260mm. It travels at 5km/h maximum in 1st gear.
Epirock’s ST7 LP
Underground we were privileged to see the Scooptram ST7 in action. The Scooptram ST7 is a robust 6.8 metric tonne LHD. The rugged powertrain and high-lifting design simplifies underground truck loading. The proven Rig Control System (RCS) includes smart features like traction control and machine protection.
Comments
Engineer Amanda Tigere who is currently the Mine Captain Projects, Contracts and Best Practices at Bindura Nickel Corporation described safety measures taken to protect life as the highlight of the visit.
“Of particular interest to me is how Mimosa has incorporated bolters to enable them to do some barring down so as to protect the guy who is coming in there to drill the support. The whole drive there is to make sure no person is exposed to any unsupported ground. To me, it was something to learn. The measures put in place to make sure the employee is protected and measures put to ensure the equipment which is going in first is also protected was the highlight of my visit,” Tigere said.
She also applauded increased female interest in the underground tour.
“For me particularly it was amazing that I got to see a lot of females who were keen to go underground. Some of them directly in the mining industry and some in mining-related industries. It was such a wonderful moment,” Tigere said.
Bolting rigs (also called mining bolters) are specialized mining machines designed for drilling holes and installation of safety bolts in roofs and walls of underground mining excavations.
AMMZ President Eng Elton Gwatidzo said the Mimosa visit was one of the best visits for the technical arm of Mining in Zimbabwe.
“I agree this was one of the best that we have had. Mostly because we are on a drive to resuscitate or rejuvenate the Association. You may also have realized that in the last AGM, we managed to pull a lot of participants for the purposes of enhancing the mining industry. So this a follow-up to that where people have confidence in the Association, how its run and we are happy with the result,” Gwatidzo said.
He also extended gratitude to Mimosa for hosting the Association.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to Mimosa for accepting to Host us and I’m sure a lot of people have learnt a lot from how Mimosa is conducting its business,” Gwatidzo concluded.
About the AMMZ
The AMMZ has been in existence for the past 50 years and was formed to advance the science and practice of Mining and supporting disciplines such as Survey, Geology, and Metallurgy. It is a vehicle for information exchange and dissemination of good practices and seeks to promote the study and growth of Mining and allied disciplines. The AMMZ is an affiliate of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe and its current President is Engineer Elton Gwatidzo.