The Young Miners for Economic Development (YMED) has issued an urgent safety warning to young miners across Masvingo, including Renco and surrounding mining areas, urging them to suspend operations whenever severe weather makes working conditions unsafe.
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Read E-PaperThe warning follows the catastrophic hailstorm that struck Masvingo Province on Monday, 5 October 2026, as continued rainfall continues to batter parts of the province.
The storm, which prompted a State of Disaster declaration, has left mining operations exposed to heightened risks from heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hail and flooding.
YMED President Nyasha Magadhi said open pits, underground workings, shafts, riverbed operations and access roads can become particularly dangerous when water levels rise or ground conditions deteriorate.
The organisation called on all young miners to put safety ahead of production.
“Stop mining activities when heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, flooding or other severe weather conditions make the working area unsafe,” YMED advised, directing miners to immediately evacuate open pits, shafts and tunnels where water is rising or ground conditions are deteriorating.
Miners were also warned never to enter flooded, abandoned or poorly supported underground workings and to keep away from flooded rivers, streams, riverbanks and other low-lying areas where water levels and ground conditions can change rapidly.
Magadhi said responsibility for safety must be shared across the mining sector, calling on mine owners, operators and contractors not to pressure workers to continue mining when conditions are unsafe.
“As YMED, we believe that no mineral is worth a life. We would rather lose a day of production than lose a young miner.
“We are therefore appealing to our members and all young miners in Masvingo to stop, assess the conditions around them and only resume work when it is safe to do so.”
The organisation further urged miners to inspect mine walls, benches, shafts and access roads for cracks, subsidence, erosion, mudslides and loose material before resuming operations.
They were also advised to secure electrical equipment, generators, pumps, fuel and other hazardous materials and to avoid handling electrical cables or connections exposed to water.
“Work in teams, maintain communication with colleagues and ensure emergency contacts are readily available.”
Miners and mining communities were encouraged to remain alert to official weather and emergency information from the Meteorological Services Department, the Environmental Management Agency, the Civil Protection Unit, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, and local authorities.
“Any accident, missing person, flooding incident, shaft collapse or other mining emergency should be reported immediately to the relevant emergency authorities and local leadership,” Magadhi said.
YMED reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a safer and more responsible mining sector in which young Zimbabweans can participate meaningfully without putting their lives at unnecessary risk.
