Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Government has moved to tackle the growing dangers posed by unrehabilitated mining pits, introducing stringent measures to compel mining companies to close, fence, protect, or rehabilitate all open excavations.
The decision follows a surge in accidents during the peak of the rainy season, with children, livestock and community members falling into water-filled, abandoned mining pits, particularly in Matabeleland South, Midlands and Mashonaland West provinces.
Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr Caleb Makwiranzou, said criminalising non-compliance is necessary to safeguard communities and the environment.
“The rains are now with us and there is a large number of mine ponds that have not been closed. We are working with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to ensure that these open excavations are secured,” he said.
Dr Makwiranzou noted that some of these pits were previously operational but had not been closed safely.
“The idea was that if they can be made safe, mining could resume next season after the rains,” he added.
The Deputy Minister said both small-scale and large-scale miners have been issued stern warnings to prioritise safety and prevent accidents.
“As the Government, we have directed miners to make their operations safe and reduce underground work this rainy season,” he said.
To enforce compliance, provincial mining directors are leading teams of inspectors tasked with identifying and addressing hazardous mining sites across all provinces.
“In each province, the provincial mining director leads a team of inspectors who inspect and ensure that dangerous excavations or mines are closed until they are safe,” said Dr Makwiranzou.
The directive aligns with the Government’s policy of promoting responsible and safe mining practices. Non-compliant miners now face legal consequences, including suspension or revocation of their operations.
Communities and environmental activists have long criticised mining companies for leaving behind gaping pits that endanger lives and ecosystems. In Matabeleland South, Midlands and Mashonaland West, multiple cases of livestock drowning and near-fatal incidents involving children have been reported.
The Government intervention is seen as a critical step in mitigating these risks and holding mining operators accountable.
Dr Makwiranzou reaffirmed that the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, in collaboration with EMA, is on high alert to ensure adherence to safety obligations.
