“Halt Mining Now or Risk Tragedy” Min Chitando

Itai Mazire

Mines and Mining Development Minister Honourable Winston Chitando has issued a hard-hitting warning to artisanal, small-scale, and large-scale miners operating across the country’s major mining hotspots, urging them to immediately halt operations where risk assessment reports show danger during the ongoing rainy season.

“A thorough risk assessment must be conducted before miners enter underground shafts. If any assessment indicates potential danger, mining operations should stop immediately and only resume when the rains have passed.

The Ministry notes with regret that lives have already been lost this rainy season due to flooding tragedies that could have been avoided,” said Hon Chitando.

He said miners are urged to follow all instructions from Government authorities to maintain safe mining operations.

“Miners are strongly advised to avoid working or mining along waterways due to the risk of shaft flooding from upstream rain. They must also avoid digging and blasting in old mine workings because the ground may be unstable and prone to collapse. Underground pillar robbing should never be attempted under any circumstances,” he said.

He added that miners are discouraged from sinking shafts in low-lying areas, as these pose a serious risk of flooding during rains. “Measures should also be taken to divert free-flowing water away from shaft workings to prevent flooding.

“The Ministry reminds everyone that human life is far more valuable than any mineral, and it is important that all efforts be made to preserve it.”

He said during this period, there is an increased likelihood of flooding, drowning, weakened ground that may lead to falls and subsidence, as well as slimes dam breaches.

“The Ministry urges all miners to be fully aware of these dangers and to take the necessary precautions to ensure safe mining practices and the preservation of life,” said Hon Chitando.