By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development Dr Polite Kambamura has urged small scale miners to take extra precautions against mine collapses as the rainy season begins, warning that many mining deaths could be prevented through improved safety measures.
Kambamura made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Dr Caleb Makwiranzou, at the commissioning of the Makaha Gold Service Centre in Mashonaland East.
“Too many miners have lost their lives in accidents that were preventable. I call on every miner to treat safety as non-negotiable,” Kambamura said.
He said the ministry would continue providing training on safe mining practices, while the mining inspectorate would intensify its support and enforcement efforts.
“We will not rest while avoidable tragedies continue,” he said.
The safety concerns come as the Government pushes for responsible gold production, with miners being encouraged to adopt practices that protect the environment and preserve Zimbabwe’s access to international markets.
Kambamura said miners should embrace cleaner processing technologies, eliminate harmful practices and ensure that mined-out areas were properly rehabilitated.
“As global buyers demand traceable and ethically sourced gold let’s make responsible mining practices our way of life and this will protect our market access and reputation,” he said.
He added that gold service centres were intended to bring services closer to miners and make formalisation beneficial rather than a burden.
The facilities are expected to help miners work in a coordinated manner and improve gold output, particularly as artisanal and small-scale miners have become major contributors to Zimbabwe’s gold production, accounting for the majority of gold delivered to Fidelity Gold Refinery.
Kambamura also urged miners and investors to support community development by contributing to schools, clinics, water points and roads so that mining communities benefit from the resources extracted in their areas.
