EMA, police in bid to stem shaft deaths

Daniel Chigunwe Herald Correspondent
Police in Mashonaland Central and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) have called for the formation of properly organised syndicates by artisanal miners following an increase in deaths of illegal gold miners trapped in disused mine shafts.

Illegal mining activities have escalated in the province, prompting the police to tighten security in areas where “makorokozas” are a regular feature.

Mashonaland Central provincial police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe said although he did not have figures off hand there was an increase in deaths among illegal artisanal miners as a result of poor safety measures.

“Artisanal miners should comply with regulations, formalise activities and apply for mining licences thereby encouraging judicious exploitation of natural resources as well as sustainable land use.

“Mining shafts are claiming a sizeable number of deaths in the province and posing a serious hazard to livestock,” said Insp Mundembe.

Recently an illegal artisanal miner fell and died in a disused shaft.

EMA provincial managing director Mr Robert Rwafa said small-scale mining was a major employer in the region, but recommended organised and well-structured syndicates.

“We are advising on the rehabilitation of used shafts as well as regulating sustainable land use which promotes business to these miners and brings in revenue to Government.

“As well as encouraging attainment of environment impact assessment certificates, as we have categorised an affordable small percentage to these artisanal miners,” said Mr Rwafa.

Artisanal mining operations at Bindura Kitsiyatota have been halted following reports of rising deaths of trapped miners and serious land degradation.