ZIMPLATS statement on Ngwarati mine Highwall collapse
Zimbabwe Platinum miner ZIMPLATS says they are saddened by the unfortunate fatal accident that occurred today at Ngwarati Mine in Mhondoro-Ngezi.
In a statement in response to questions from this reporter ZIMPLATS Head of Corporate Affairs Busi Chindove confirmed the fatality at the mine and the CEO, Mr. Alex Mhembere conveyed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. Mhembere also said workers who were underground were safely evacuated.
“Zimplats is deeply saddened to confirm a mine fatality incident that occurred at the company’s Ngwarati Mine in Mhondoro- Ngezi. Sadly, one employee working for one of the company’s contractors succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident that occurred when a high wall collapsed at the Ngwarati Mine box-cut (entrance to the mine). The tragic incident occurred at 09.50hrs on Sunday 14 February 2021,”
ZIMPLATS CEO Mr Alex Mhembere said: “It is indeed a difficult time for the whole Zimplats family. Our sincere condolences go to the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased. The rest of the employees who were underground when the incident occurred have been safely evacuated by the Zimplats Proto Team.
As a company, we remain committed to delivering a safe working environment for all our employees.” read the statement.
About Zimplats
Zimplats is 87% owned by Implats and it is situated on the Zimbabwean Great Dyke south-west of Harare. Zimplats operates four underground mines and a concentrator at Ngezi. The Selous Metallurgical Complex (SMC), located 77 kilometres north of the underground operations, comprises a concentrator and a smelter.
Mining starts at a depth of 50 metres below the surface and currently extends to a depth of approximately 240 metres. Mining infrastructure consists of decline accesses via surface portals. Zimplats employs mechanised bord and pillar mining with stoping widths of an average of 2.5 metres at dips of less than nine degrees.