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Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
Government is carrying out safety awareness campaigns at all artisanal mining set-ups to address and curb mine-related accidents with punitive measures being considered to deter illegal miners.
The efforts come as over 80 percent of mine accidents are recorded where illegal extraction is taking place.
Speaking after visiting a chrome mine at Mapinga where three miners died last Wednesday after inhaling generator exhaust fumes, Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister Dr Polite Kambamura said his ministry was working towards addressing the growing concern of many, particularly youths, who were losing their lives in mining activities. Most accidents recorded were occurring at illegal mining sites.
“The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, through the inspectorate department, is conducting safety awareness campaigns, providing mining technical support and first aid training in all mining districts. This is a response mechanism to address the accidents that we are recording at our small-scale and artisanal mines,” he said.
“Of concern, however, is that most accidents are occurring at unregistered mining locations. The Government stands ready to consider punitive penalties for illegal mining. All mining activities must be registered with the Ministry.”
As a result of the growing concern and a way of encouraging miners to register their operations, the Government had availed funding.
“The Government has availed the Mining Industry Loan Fund to facilitate mechanisation of small scale mining operations. These facilities are only available to registered mine owners,” he said.
Deputy Minister Kambamura said it was unfortunate that the country lost three young miners in a chrome shaft at Mapinga. The three miners were mining illegally in an old shaft owned by one company.
“The mine accident was as a result of generator exhaust toxic fumes that the three inhaled after having placed the generator underground for their operations. There was poor ventilation and as a result the miners suffocated to death.”
He also encouraged owners of a registered mining block to periodically and physically inspect their claims and report any illegal mining activities.
Online Reporter