Vusumuzi Dube
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Midlands and Matabeleland South Provinces recorded the highest number of mining accidents and fatalities in 2023, accounting for over 40 percent of the total fatalities and over 41 percent of the accidents reported nationwide.
According to official statistics, the country recorded 237 fatalities in 2023 and 212 accidents.
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development said: “Midlands had the highest fatalities recorded which were 48 as well as 48 accidents recorded last year. Matabeleland South had 48 fatalities and 40 accidents recorded. The two provinces accounted for 41.5 percent of the total national mining accidents and 40.5 percent of the total fatalities.”
Mashonaland East had 39 fatalities and 36 accidents, while Mashonaland West had 34 fatalities and accidents respectively.
Mashonaland Central recorded 26 fatalities and 20 accidents, Manicaland had 20 fatalities from 18 accidents, while Matabeleland North had the second-lowest number of accidents, with 18 fatalities and 12 accidents.
Masvingo Province recorded the least number of accidents and fatalities which were four respectively.
The highest month with falatilies and accidents was January followed by June and December.
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Zhemu Soda is on record advising all miners, large-scale, medium-scale and small-scale in particular artisanal miners across the country that 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.
Last month he said: “During the rainy season we experience heightened risks in the form of flooding, drowning, weakened ground leading to fall and ground subsidence as well as slimes dam breaches which unfortunately lead to loss of lives. The Ministry would like to implore all the miners to be cognisant of these dangers and risks and accordingly take adequate precautions and practice responsible mining to preserve lives as a top most priority. It should be noted that we are lately experiencing torrent rainfall which increases the dangers and risks.”
Online Reporter