The mining industry recorded an increase in mining accidents during the period January to July 2023, compared to the same period last year.
According to the latest State of Mining Industry Survey Report for 2024 released by the Chamber of Mines last week, the mining industry reported 110 fatal accidents during the period January to July 2023, compared to 106 fatal accidents during the same period last year.
The 110 accidents resulted in 120 fatalities and 92 percent of the accidents reported during the period under review occurred underground, with large-scale operations contributing 18 percent to the total accidents. Part of the report reads:
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Of the 20 accidents reported for large-scale mines, 80 percent were in underground operations. Illegal mining operations contributed 22 percent to the total number of accidents. The small-scale mining industry contributed 60 percent to the total number of fatal accidents.
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Speaking to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/mining-fatalities-soar-illegal-mining-blamed-for-workplace-accidents/">Chronicle</a>, Chamber of Mines president, Thomas Gono, said that there is a need to educate miners on safe mining methods. He said:
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We are in the process of segmenting the country into different mining districts and identifying large and small-scale miners.
On a quarterly basis, we are going to have stakeholder meetings to discuss safe mining practices to indicate to miners that sustainable mining is more beneficial than haphazard mining.
We are of the view that the awareness programmes will reduce mining accidents.
Most accidents happen because of unsafe methods of mining, therefore, we need to also consult the Government.
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Young Miners Foundation chief executive officer, Payne Kupfuwa, said they are concerned over deaths and injuries that occur in disused mines. He said:
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As an organisation, we have come up with deliberate programmes where we are encouraging people to formalise by grouping themselves into syndicates of six to secure mining rights in different provinces and areas.
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Meanwhile, the Chamber of Mines said that most mining companies have adopted zero-harm initiatives, such as occupational safety and health accidents promotion and environmental protection in order to reduce fatal accidents and other negative impacts of mining on society.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

120 Miners Killed From January To July 2023

An employee at Bulawayo Mining Company (BMC)’s How Mine was fatally injured on Monday during underground mining operations.
The company said air loader operator, William James, sustained injuries in an accident and was pronounced dead at the mine’s wellness centre. It said in a statement:
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Bulawayo Mining Company regrets to advise that an employee was fatally injured on Monday, September 19, 2022, during underground mining operations at How Mine.
Following the accident, first aid was rendered on-site and the employee, air loader operator William James, was evacuated to the Mine wellness centre, where he was regrettably pronounced dead.
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How Mine has operated for over four-million-man hours without a fatality and in February 2022, it obtained internationally recognised standards certification for successfully embracing top-level management procedures.
BMC expressed regret over the incident adding that full investigations into the incident have begun. It said:
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Management extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved and has immediately mobilised all necessary support to the deceased’s family and colleagues.
Relevant authorities have been notified. Detailed investigations into the incident have begun, in partnership with the Mines Inspectorate and independent investigators, including the equipment supplier.
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| <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/fatal-accident-at-how-mine/">Chronicle</a>

Employee Fatally Injured At How Mine

Platinum mining giants Zimplats have confirmed the death of an employee of one of its contractors on Sunday morning.
Zimplats Head of Corporate Affairs, Busi Chindove said that the employee was fatally injured when a high wall collapsed at the entrance of Ngwarati Mine in Mhondoro-Ngezi. She said:
<blockquote>Zimplats is deeply saddened to confirm a mine fatality incident that occurred at the company’s Ngwarati Mine in Mhondoro-Ngezi.
Sadly, one employee working for one of the company’s contractors succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident that occurred when a high wall collapsed at the Ngwarati Mine box-cut (entrance to the mine).
The tragic incident occurred at 09.50hrs on Sunday, February 14, 2021.</blockquote>
Zimplat’s Chief Executive, Alex Mhembere said the rest of the workers were evacuated safely. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased employee.
<blockquote>It is indeed a difficult time for the whole Zimplats family. Our sincere condolences go to the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/one-dies-in-zimplats-mine-accident/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ZBC News</a></h4>

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