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Ferrochrome producer ZimAlloys, a subsidiary of Kuvimba Mining House (KMH), is taking proactive steps to address one of Zimbabwe’s most critical issues—abandoned and unrehabilitated mining pits—by launching a comprehensive backfilling programme as part of its broader sustainability initiatives, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
This programme, aimed at rehabilitating disused mining areas, is crucial for protecting local communities and preventing further tragedies like the recent deaths of five individuals who perished in a disused chrome pit in Shurugwi.
In Shurugwi, a tragic incident occurred when a vehicle carrying five people, including a heavily pregnant woman, plunged into an unrehabilitated mining pit. The accident underscores the deadly risks posed by abandoned pits, which have long been a problem in Zimbabwe’s mining regions. This tragedy has reignited calls for mining companies to prioritize environmental rehabilitation and take responsibility for the land they have disturbed.
ZimAlloys’ backfilling programme is a timely and necessary response to this issue. By rehabilitating disused mining pits, ZimAlloys aims to restore the land to a safer condition, protecting both human life and the environment. This initiative is part of Kuvimba Mining House’s broader Restoring Nature, Securing Tomorrow campaign, which focuses on environmental stewardship, reforestation, and sustainable infrastructure development across its mining operations.
“Rehabilitating the environment is something we do on an ongoing basis,” said Trevor Barnard, Kuvimba Mining House Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO). “Through our efforts, we are not only protecting communities from the dangers of unrehabilitated pits but also restoring the land for future generations.”
ZimAlloys’ programme is particularly important given the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework in Zimbabwe to enforce mining rehabilitation. The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe has long advocated for the introduction of a Mining Rehabilitation Fund, which would require mining companies to set aside resources for the rehabilitation of mined land. This fund would hold companies accountable and ensure that rehabilitation is done systematically and efficiently, reducing risks to local communities.
Without proper rehabilitation, abandoned mining sites lead to severe environmental degradation, including soil erosion, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity. The dangers posed to humans and animals are even more pressing. Unprotected pits, like those in Shurugwi, often turn into death traps for those unaware of their presence.
By implementing rehabilitation initiatives, ZimAlloys is setting a new standard for responsible mining in Zimbabwe. The company’s commitment to safety and environmental restoration will not only protect local communities but also foster a more sustainable mining industry in the country.
As Zimbabwe continues to expand its mining sector, initiatives like ZimAlloys’ backfilling programme demonstrate how the industry can operate responsibly while ensuring that its environmental footprint is minimized. The company’s efforts to prevent future tragedies through proper rehabilitation should serve as a model for others in the industry.
The Chamber of Mines has called for the inclusion of the Mining Rehabilitation Fund in the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, a legislative move that would make rehabilitation mandatory for all mining companies operating in Zimbabwe. This would ensure that abandoned pits are dealt with swiftly and safely, preventing further loss of life.
For now, ZimAlloys’ initiative is a beacon of hope for communities living in mining regions, offering a safer future through sustainable practices. If more companies follow suit, Zimbabwe can reduce the number of lives lost to mining-related accidents and restore its lands to their natural beauty.
