Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Mine Workers Union (ZIDAMWU) has declared 2026 one of the most difficult and worrying years for mine workers as fatalities from mining accidents continue to rise.
In a statement, ZIDAMWU general secretary Mr Justice Chinhema cited the recent deaths of two workers at Old Nick Mine near Bulawayo, operated by Retinue Stars Investments, as the latest tragedy in a growing pattern this year.
“Every few weeks, the nation is confronted with news of another miner losing their life, in small-scale operations, big operations, and artisanal miners being the hardest hit,” said Mr Chinhema.
“These incidents can no longer be treated as isolated accidents as they point to serious shortcomings in safety compliance, supervision and enforcement.”
The union said the loss of two breadwinners at Old Nick Mine should serve as a wake-up call to regulators, mine owners and Government institutions responsible for safeguarding workers.
“As ZIDAMWU, we are alarmed by the sustained loss of life in the mining sector this year. The industry cannot continue recording fatalities while stakeholders issue statements of regret after every incident. Workers need action, not condolences,” added Mr Chinhema.
ZIDAMWU challenged the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, particularly the inspectorate department, mine owners and contractors to immediately strengthen safety enforcement and accountability mechanisms.
“The first responsibility lies with the regulators. The department must intensify inspections, conduct rigorous audits and ensure that safety breaches attract meaningful sanctions,” he said.
All mining operations, whether large, medium or small-scale, were urged to invest more in occupational health and safety training, equipment maintenance, hazard identification and workforce engagement.
“The mining industry is enjoying increased investment and ambitious production targets, but there can be no justification for sacrificing worker safety in pursuit of output. Human life is priceless and one fatality is one too many,” said Mr Chinhema.
The union also called on owners of unused claims being mined by artisanal miners to formalise arrangements and invest in safety training to save lives.
ZIDAMWU also warned that, without corrective measures, Zimbabwe risks undermining efforts to position itself as a globally competitive mining destination.
“A modern mining industry cannot be built on recurring fatalities. Investors, workers and communities alike expect world-class safety standards. The measure of success in mining is not only tonnes produced but lives protected,” added Mr Chinhema.
The union expressed condolences to the families of the two Old Nick Mine workers and demanded a full, transparent investigation.
It also called for an end to alleged attempts by some mine management teams to cover up fatalities.
“We refuse to accept mine fatalities as an inevitable part of mining. Every death is a failure of the system somewhere, and stakeholders must be prepared to answer difficult questions when lives are lost,” said Mr Chinhema.
