Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
ARTISANAL miners have been urged to insure their operations to cushion families against unforeseen tragedies, as mining-related accidents continue to rise across the country.
The call was made by Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Cde Marian Chombo, following last Friday’s fatal accident at G-Zone Mining and Milling Company, located at the defunct Elvington Mine in Chegutu, which claimed four lives and left five others injured.
Cde Chombo visited the site on Sunday to assess the situation and console bereaved families, as well as survivors of the disaster.
Search and rescue operations concluded in the early hours of Sunday with the retrieval of the last two bodies, bringing the death toll to four.
The first two bodies were recovered on Friday after a mine shaft collapsed, trapping nine miners underground.
Five of the miners escaped with minor injuries. Speaking during the visit, Cde Chombo said while some accidents could be prevented through adherence to safety measures, it was equally important for miners to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
“This tragedy is a wake-up call for artisanal miners to insure their operations against any eventuality,” she said.
“It is unfortunate that we continue to lose young lives in the sector, yet artisanal miners play a critical role in the economy.
“Our currency is anchored on gold, but we cannot celebrate its strength at the expense of human life.”
She added that the Government was intensifying efforts to promote safer mining practices through training programmes targeting small-scale and artisanal miners.
“We are rolling out sustainable and safe mining training programmes across the province in response to the increase in accidents,” she said.
“At the same time, miners must take responsibility by ensuring their operations are insured so that families of the deceased or injured receive financial support.”
G-Zone Mining and Milling Company general manager, Mr Mbofi London, said the accident occurred despite routine safety checks conducted before and after each shift.
“We prioritise safety in our operations. However, the boulder that caused this accident could not be detected during inspections,” he said.
“It measured approximately 2,3 metres in length and about two metres in both width and height.”
He said the rock dislodged while the miners were loading ore for hoisting to the surface.
“Five workers managed to escape death by a whisker, while four were crushed by the falling rock,” said Mr London.
“One of the survivors sustained an ankle injury and is receiving treatment. As a company, we will assist with funeral arrangements for the deceased.”
The four victims, aged between 23 and 25, are from Chegutu, Shurugwi and Mutare. Their names were being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
