Platinum Group Metals producer Zimplats dominated the 2024 Mine Rescue Competitions, with both its teams securing first place in the Proto (donning) and Fresh Air (non-donning) categories.
By Ryan Chigoche
This year, eight teams competed in the donning category: Blanket Mine, Zimplats Ngezi, Hwange Colliery Company, How Mine, Freda Rebecca, Mimosa Mine, Unki Mine, and Redwing. Four teams participated in the non-donning category: Blanket Mine, Zimplats SMC, Jena Mines, and Shamva Mine.
In the donning category, Zimplats Ngezi took first place, with fellow PGM miner Mimosa finishing second and How Mine coming in third among eight teams. In the fresh air category, where four teams competed, Zimplats SMC secured first place, with Blanket Mine and Shamva Mine taking second and third, respectively.
Speaking at the event, Zimplats SGM Simbarashe Goto praised the participating teams for their commitment to safety.
“Mining is generally a hazardous profession, and accidents may still happen even with the best safety measures in place. These brave individuals put their lives on the line to rescue trapped miners,” he stated.
“To the twelve teams that competed here, the main objective was not just to compete but to provide teams with the opportunity to assess and improve their preparedness in the event of an emergency. Together, we can ensure a better mining industry.” he said in a speech read on his behalf by Eng Tapuwa Munenerwa.
Dr Alfred Chinyere, President of the Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe, also commended Zimplats for hosting the competition despite challenges in the sector.
“It is a fact that most mining companies are facing difficulties due to softening prices. We applaud Zimplats for hosting the event in such trying times. We also want to thank the participating teams for investing resources to send their teams,” he said.
The competition aimed to identify areas for improvement. Judges noted that all teams performed well based on the basic requirements for the brigades, demonstrating urgency and fitness in their duties. However, they emphasized that all teams must improve their reporting techniques upon returning to the surface, as many reports lacked detail. Comprehensive reports on the condition of the circuit, injured individuals, and recommendations are vital for management to prevent similar accidents.
Winners – Donning Category (Proto)
- Initial Training Workload Test Best Individual: Nyasha Manzunzu, Blanket Mine
- Initial Training Theory Test: Isiah Makurunye, Unki Mine
- Workload Best Individual (Male): Nhalo Sibanda, Blanket Mine
- Best Workload Individual (Female): Tracy Madamombe, Hwange Colliery
- Workload Best Team: How Mine
- Most Improved Team: Freda Rebecca Gold Mine
- Most Call-Outs Attended: Redwing
Winners – Non-Donning Category (Fresh air)
- Initial Training Workload Test Best Individual: Simon Mupingidza, Shamva Gold
- Initial Training Theory Test: Trust Mudzingwa, Zimplats SMC
- Workload Training Best Individual (Female): Netsai Chikonhi, Zimplats SMC
- Initial Training Theory Test (Female): Yvonne Mubaira, Shamva Gold
- Workload Best Individual (Male): Spancer Makuwaza, Zimplats SMC
- Workload Best Individual (Female): Patience Mahumutsa, Zimplats
