ZMF to educate ASM on safety in mining
Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Mashwest Regional representative Dr. Chiedza Chipangura, has indicated that ZMF is planning to educate artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) on safety in mining.
By Precious Chikuruwo
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe Chipangura emphasised the need to protect miners from hazards associated with mining.
“As ZMF we are planning to educate all miners on safety precautions when working in mine shafts. We want to protect our miners, as well as our environment, therefore, we are going to plan a workshop, where we invite rescue teams and educate our miners ”
She further added that it is within the interest of everyone that the operation at Task Mine Syndicate be stopped in the meantime considering that the environment is not safe to work.
“The operation at Task mine Syndicate was put on hold by the Ministry of Mines as a way protecting the residence of the Task Mine Syndicate and also the rescue team “.
The ZMF Regional representative went on to add that the shaft mine beside Task Mine Syndicate called Zuvarabuda has been using heavy machines such that it had an impact on the Task Mine Syndicate therefore safety measures must be considered.
“A neighbouring mine of Task Mine Syndicate called Zuvarabuda has been using heavy machinery therefore recently it has been reported that the Zuvarabuda mine collapsed but luckily no one was below, after this incident the operation at Task Mine Syndicate was been stopped as it was also showing signs of collapsing once again”.
Dr. Chiedza also said that the Task Mine Syndicate issue is complex to such an extent that it involves cultural norms.
“As ZMF we have helped the community in giving them funds to buy cattle to perform traditional rituals they insisted were necessary though there are land disputes between Chief Zvimba and Chief Nangezi. Following the accident of the Task Mine chairman Mr. Timothy Masviba, which is highly believed to have been the victims’ spirits sending a message, it is alleged one of the miners is having nightmares of the dead victims’ spirits asking him why they haven’t exhumed their bodies like the first one” said Chipangura.
Dr. Chiedza concluded that as ZMF they are going to do anything possible to help the victims’ families and miners at large.