Mines Minister confronts exploitation in diamond sector — ZDAMWU

Itai Mazire

The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has called on incoming Mines Minister Polite Kambamura to urgently address the widespread exploitation, unsafe working conditions and labour violations that defined the mining sector in 2025, warning that mine workers cannot endure another year of neglect.

Secretary-General Justice Chinhema said the Minister’s pledge to consult all stakeholders presents a critical opportunity to finally address the long-standing injustices affecting mine workers.

“The incoming Minister’s commitment to consult stakeholders gives us hope, but it must be backed by real action that puts mine workers at the table, not on the sidelines,” said Sec-Gen Chinhema.

He said 2025 was marked by deepening suffering among mine workers who kept Zimbabwe’s mining sector afloat under harsh conditions.

“Mine workers have endured a year of poverty wages, unsafe shafts, wage theft and blatant disregard for their dignity.

“This cannot continue into 2026,” he said.

Sec-Gen Chinhema detailed the breadth of worker grievances, noting that miners endured inflation-eroded wages worsened by over-taxation, rampant casualisation through short-term contracts, and salary arrears at operations such as RioZim and Anjin.

He added that workers faced life-threatening working conditions characterised by fatal accidents, poor ventilation, lack of PPE, and rising cases of silicosis and respiratory diseases.

Sec-Gen Chinhema said that many workers had no medical insurance or occupational health coverage, while retirees faced harassment, lack of pension benefits and eviction threats.

He said this is “a humanitarian and labour crisis disguised as economic progress.”

“The mining sector is earning billions in exports, yet the very workers generating that wealth are trapped in poverty, injuries and fear. It is a betrayal of their contribution,” he said.

He implored Minister Kambamura to take immediate action to protect workers through stronger safety enforcement, an end to casualisation and strict compliance with labour laws.

“We expect the new Minister to champion worker-friendly policies, ensure employers comply with safety standards and end the rampant abuse of temporary contracts used to exploit labour.”

Sec-Gen Chinhema also welcomed the Chinese Embassy’s recent statement calling for an end to the abuse of local workers in Chinese-run mining operations.

“We acknowledge the Chinese Embassy’s call to end all reported and unconfirmed abuses in Chinese-operated mines. This aligns with our push for industrial harmony, and we expect investigations and corrective action without delay,” he said.

Looking ahead, he said ZDAMWU is preparing for a more assertive year of worker-driven advocacy and reforms.

“In 2026, we are building union power and strengthening worker voices so that no mine worker stands alone. Exploitation will be exposed, and employers will be held accountable.”

He urged full worker participation in shaping mining reform.

“True transformation of the mining sector will only happen when those who suffer the consequences of exploitation are heard, respected and protected by policy,” said Sec-Gen Chinhema