Zimbabwe’s largest platinum group metals (PGM) producer, Zimplats, recorded six lost-time injuries (LTIs) during the quarter ended 31 March 2025—a setback following five LTIs reported in the previous quarter, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Despite the rise in incidents, the company remains resolute in its pursuit of zero harm, with remedial actions already underway to prevent future occurrences.
According to the company’s latest quarterly report, the six LTIs stemmed from two separate safety incidents, highlighting the complex and dynamic nature of health and safety challenges in mining operations. “Implementation of remedial actions is in progress. Despite this setback in safety performance, the Group remains committed to its zero-harm aspiration,” the company stated.
This marks the second consecutive quarter in which Zimplats has had to deal with safety-related incidents. In the quarter ended 31 December 2024, the miner reported five LTIs. At that time, management undertook thorough investigations and implemented strategic safety measures to address the root causes. These included stricter enforcement of operational protocols, refresher training for staff, and enhanced supervision in high-risk areas.
Zimplats has traditionally maintained a strong safety record, boasting nearly 5 million fatality-free shifts in previous reporting periods—a testament to the miner’s longstanding investment in a safety culture. However, the back-to-back recording of LTIs signals an urgent need for a renewed focus on operational discipline and risk mitigation.
In response to the incidents, Zimplats has reinforced its commitment to safety through its established framework, which includes:
Accident Investigation and Response: Following each LTI, Zimplats initiated full-scale investigations to determine the causes and outline actionable preventive measures. These efforts are central to the company’s dynamic risk management system.
Worker Engagement: Management has intensified communication with both employees and contractors to reaffirm safety expectations and provide support mechanisms for reporting hazards before they result in injuries.
Safety Standards Compliance: Zimplats continues to operate under ISO 45001:2018 certification for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, ensuring its safety practices meet international best standards.
Stakeholder Involvement: The company consistently hosts safety symposiums and training sessions with contractors and internal staff to promote a unified safety culture across all operations. These platforms are used not only to share lessons learned from incidents but also to collaboratively craft solutions tailored to Zimplats’ evolving risk landscape.
Recognition and Accountability: Zimplats has earned national recognition for excellence in safety and first aid, but acknowledges that such recognition must be constantly earned through vigilance and continuous improvement.
While the rise in LTIs is concerning, Zimplats insists that its zero-harm target remains non-negotiable. This philosophy is central to its license to operate and deeply embedded in the values guiding its approach to employee welfare and sustainable mining.
Industry observers note that while the recent figures are higher than usual for Zimplats, the company’s response has been swift and transparent. This level of accountability is essential in a sector where operational risks cannot be entirely eliminated but can be effectively managed through proactive strategies.
As Zimplats continues production and expansion efforts across the Great Dyke, safety will remain a cornerstone of its operational strategy. With remedial actions ongoing and management fully engaged in safety reforms, the miner is expected to bounce back and restore its reputation as a safety-first operator in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
The company’s next quarterly report will be closely watched to see whether these remedial efforts yield measurable improvements—and whether Zimplats can return to its trajectory of zero harm, a standard it has set for itself and the industry at large.
