Zimbabwe is set to make its long-awaited return to the International Mine Rescue Competitions, marking a significant milestone for the country’s mining sector after a 30-year hiatus, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Zimbabwe will once again compete on the global stage, having last participated in Zambia in 1994. The Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe (MRAZ) has confirmed that the country will be sending a representative team to the upcoming competition, which is fittingly being held in Zambia, a nation with close mining ties to Zimbabwe.
Charles Ganduri, the MRAZ national coordinator, emphasized the importance of Zimbabwe’s return to the international mine rescue arena during the recent national competitions. “We are now going to be participating in the international competitions, and this year we are privileged that the competitions are being hosted by Zambia, which is just our neighbour,” said Ganduri. The event will highlight Zimbabwe’s renewed commitment to mine safety and rescue operations.
The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe is working tirelessly to finalize the team that will represent the nation, ensuring that Zimbabwe can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with leading mine rescue teams from around the world. Ganduri further mentioned that the official announcement of Zimbabwe’s representative team will be made during the Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for March 20, 2025.
Zimbabwe’s last foray into the international competition was in 1994, when Rio Tinto’s Renco Proto Team proudly represented the nation at the Konkola Copper Mine in Zambia. The team had earned their spot after emerging victorious in Zimbabwe’s national mine rescue competition earlier that year. The 1994 event remains a significant moment in the history of Zimbabwean mining, and the upcoming competition will mark the first time since then that the nation returns to the international mine rescue scene.
A historical article from Rio Tinto titled “Renco Proto Team Flies the Flag for Zimbabwe” highlights the accomplishments of the Renco Proto Team during the 1994 competition. The team, led by George Chihota (team manager) and supported by members Kevin Saba and David Madera, faced rigorous challenges during the event. These challenges included navigating broken terrain, driving, and repairing water pipelines underground at Konkola Copper Mine.
The Renco team had to make special preparations, particularly to handle deep water challenges. They competed in categories such as navigation, speed, team discipline, and operational procedures. According to Tim Cotton, the team’s quartermaster, they even packed their “swimming trunks,” anticipating the tough water-related tasks they would face during the competition.
After completing the gruelling challenges, the Renco team and their Zambian hosts celebrated at the Konkola Club, where individuals from both Renco and Konkola management were present. Among those mentioned were John Nixon, Killion Ukama, and Admore Matika, all of whom played pivotal roles in supporting the team.
The 1994 event not only demonstrated the capabilities of Zimbabwe’s mine rescue teams but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and regional cooperation between Zambia and Zimbabwe, two nations with deep mining traditions.
As Zimbabwe gears up for its return to the international mine rescue scene, the country’s mining community is filled with excitement and anticipation. The upcoming competition provides Zimbabwe with an invaluable opportunity to showcase the progress it has made in mine rescue technology, training, and strategy over the past three decades.
In addition, the competition offers a platform for Zimbabwe’s teams to exchange knowledge and experiences with their international counterparts, further improving the nation’s preparedness in handling mining-related emergencies.
As the country prepares to participate in the international mine rescue competitions in 2025, Zimbabwe’s mining sector is reminded of the long-standing tradition of excellence exemplified by the Renco Proto Team in 1994. There is a growing sense of pride as the nation readies itself to compete and, once again, fly the flag for Zimbabwe on the world stage.
