Story by Owen Mandovha
GOVERNMENT has launched a nationwide mining safety blitz following a rise in fatal accidents that threaten to undermine gains in one of Zimbabwe’s most critical economic sectors.
The intervention comes as the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development reports that 64 people have died in mining-related accidents since the beginning of the year, representing a six percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Launching the exercise this Monday, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Dr Polite Kambamura described the trend as alarming for a sector that remains the country’s largest foreign currency earner.
“This year alone, we have lost 64 lives through mining accidents, which is a six percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year. This is a worrying trend for a sector that we regard as the biggest generator of foreign currency in the country,” Dr Kambamura said.
The increase in fatalities has prompted the ministry to intensify enforcement through a nationwide inspection programme targeting compliance with mining safety regulations.
Addressing mining inspectors, Dr Kambamura urged them to enforce the law impartially and uphold safety standards across the sector.
“I implore all inspectors to apply these laws without fear or favour so that all mining companies comply with the laid-down safety procedures. No life must be lost because of bribery or shortcuts. We urge you to work hard and enforce all regulations. We also have instances where unqualified individuals are holding senior positions, and this compromises safety standards,” he said.
The Ministry is working closely with several stakeholders, including the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), to strengthen compliance with occupational health and safety requirements across the sector.
NSSA Chief Inspector of Factories, Mr Shingirai Marunza, said the authority will complement Government efforts through workplace inspections and awareness programmes.
“As NSSA, our role is to enforce workplace compliance in accordance with the NSSA Act. We will also mobilise our members and deploy teams on the ground to complement the work that Government is undertaking,” he said.
To support the exercise, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has mobilised more than US$2 million for the procurement of equipment and vehicles required for the nationwide safety blitz.
The initiative is expected to strengthen regulatory compliance, improve workplace safety standards and reduce mining-related fatalities across the country.
