Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
INVESTORS in the mining industry have been implored to ensure they employ sustainable mining technologies to deal with pollution to avoid endangering the lives of employees and communities around them.
This comes as the coal mining town of Hwange has, in recent years, seen an influx of investors venturing into coal production and coke processing as well as thermal power generation.
As a result, air pollution is becoming a cause for concern among residents and environmentalists fearing resultant health complications.
Speaking during the 53rd Kamandama Mine disaster commemorations on Friday, to honour the 427 workers who were killed following an underground explosion in 1972, Chief Wange, who was the guest of honour, said companies needed to deal with challenges of emission through adoption of clean technologies.
“I am aware that the worry around coal is largely centred on emissions. However, I am advised by HCCL Holdings of the work the organisation is carrying out within the mining industry to champion a voice towards a more realistic and sustainable path through cleaner coal technologies,” said Chief Wange.
He acknowledged that though significant investments had gone into safety especially by HCCL since the Kamandama disaster, there was a need to remain vigilant and for other companies to borrow a leaf.
“A lot of progress has been made on the safety side of business operations since the Kamandama disaster but that does not mean we should be complacent as a district when it comes to safe working practices.”
Chief Wange applauded the turnaround efforts being employed by the company that saw communities benefitting from medical outreaches, borehole drilling and the anticipated resuscitation of the Zambezi Water Pipeline project.
“We all owe it to the 427 departed to contribute and see the full realisation of HCCL Holdings’ turnaround strategy under the scheme of reconstruction, which we all are witnessing unfold and bear positive fruits right before our eyes. We appreciate the efforts to engage and make positive impacts on the society around us through a number of ways. We eagerly anticipate the resuscitation of the Zambezi Water Pipeline Project,” he said.
The traditional leader added that in anticipation of the water project communities had been engaged to identify possible community off take points which will see access to potable water.
In his welcome remarks Hwange Colliery Company Limited Holdings chief executive officer, Mr William Gambiza said the company continued to build practical and inclusive approaches in pursuit of attaining zero harm.
“To honour their lives, we continue to build on a solid foundation for attaining ‘Zero-harm’ through practical and inclusive approaches. We do this to safeguard and protect our number one asset which is people.
“Since the last Kamandama edition, the organisation has managed to undergo a successful re-certification of three international standards. Tri-certification is a clear demonstration of our commitment to having a safe working environment,” he said.
These international standards include the Environmental Management System: ISO 14001:2015, Occupational Health and Safety: ISO 45001:2018 and Quality Management Systems.
He said the company was making progress in cushioning its employees materially and financially with worker transportation have been enhanced through the acquisition of new buses.
“We have created the CSR Fund, a facility meant to uplift our communities.
“We have drilled boreholes and will continue to address the needs of the communities in which we operate.
“To ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation, by our communities, we are in the process of resuscitating the Zambezi Water Line,” said Mr Gambiza.
The 427 miners perished in the early morning of 6 June 1972 when methane ignited resulting in a series of explosions that were heard for kilometres away. The disaster, the worst in Africa saw focus shifting to worker safety influencing national and regional statutory regulations on fiery mines.
Bongani Ndlovu