Urgent Call for Revival of Ventilation Control Centre to Enhance Safety in Mining Operations
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has called for the swift revival of the National Ventilation Control Centre to enhance mine safety amid a surge in gassing incidents.
By Ryan Chigoche
Masvingo Provincial Mine Director (PMD) Marshall Muzira revealed this during the recent Mine Ventilation Society of Zimbabwe Conference held in Masvingo.
The centre, originally designed to address ventilation-related issues nationwide, is crucial for ensuring the safety of mining operations across the country. However, the Ministry’s Ventilation Control Centre has remained inactive for approximately 18 years, during which gassing incidents have also increased.
Speaking at the Mine Ventilation Society of Zimbabwe (MVSZ) conference, PMD Marshall Muzira emphasized that reviving the centre would significantly curb gassing incidents and called for assistance from industry stakeholders.
“May I bring to your attention the existence of the Ministry’s Ventilation Control Centre located in the Midlands Province. This control centre is intended to serve the entire nation in addressing ventilation-related issues. It is unfortunate that the centre has been idle for the past 18 years and requires resuscitation. Reviving the control centre will greatly aid in mitigating and preventing gassing and ventilation-related accidents across the country. We request your assistance with this matter,” Muzira stated.
The PMD stressed that restoring this facility could significantly reduce gassing and ventilation-related accidents in the mining sector.
In 2024, Zimbabwe recorded 11 gassing accidents resulting in 12 fatalities, with the majority occurring in the small-scale sector due to inadequate ventilation systems and insufficient knowledge.
The absence of a functioning control centre poses a serious risk to miners’ health and safety, underscoring an urgent need for government action and investment.
As ventilation-related accidents continue to be a concern in mining operations, stakeholders are urged to prioritize the reopening and enhancement of the Ventilation Control Centre to protect workers and promote safer mining practices across the nation.