Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Government has implored miners across the country to take urgent safety precautions as the rainy season intensifies.
Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Mr Winston Chitando, said persistent downpours were increasing the risk of fatal accidents in mining communities.
Minister Chitando said the rains have already resulted in avoidable deaths and called on large-scale, medium-scale and artisanal miners to prioritise safety above production.
“The onset of the rainy season brings with it grave dangers and risks that are a threat to lives and potential loss of equipment and damage to mines,” he said.
“Regrettably, we have already lost lives this rainy season due to flooding, something that could have been avoided.”
Minister Chitando said the ministry was concerned about mining activities continuing in hazardous conditions, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging and flooding.
“We implore all miners to be cognisant of these dangers and risks, and accordingly take adequate precautions to mine safely and preserve lives.”
He said flooding, drowning, weakened ground structures, subsidence and slimes dam breaches become more prevalent during the rainy season, putting thousands of miners at risk.
As part of the ministry’s safety directives, Minister Chitando advised miners to avoid operating along waterways, where heavy rains upstream can cause sudden shaft flooding.
He urged operators to stop digging and blasting in old mine workings, where soaked ground can collapse without warning.
“Pillar robbing underground should be avoided at anytime and at all costs,” he said emphasising the increased risk of structural instability when the ground is saturated.
He cautioned against sinking shafts in low-lying areas and stressed the importance of diverting free – flowing water away from active mine workings.
Before entering underground shafts, miners must conduct thorough risk assessments, he added.
“Where such assessment indicates any potential risk, miners are advised to completely stop mining altogether and resume when the rains stop,” Minister Chitando said. “Human life is by far worth more than any mineral.”
The minister also urged miners to cooperate fully with the Government authorities enforcing safety regulations and said compliance during the rainy season is essential to preventing further loss of life.
With the rains expected to persist, the ministry said safety must remain the foremost priority to ensure mining continues without tragedy.
