Online Reporter
Online Reporter
The tragic deaths of two women following a mining pit collapse in Matobo District have triggered renewed calls for stronger artisanal mining safety, formalisation, and technical training programmes within Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector.
While the accident at Nugget Mine has left families grieving and the local community in mourning, the incident has also become a turning point for discussions around responsible mining and community protection in Matabeleland South.
Community leaders confirmed that this was the first recorded fatal accident associated with mining operations around the Nugget area, a development that has deeply affected local miners and residents.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, businessman Mr Brian Samuriwo moved swiftly to assist affected families with funeral arrangements, emotional support, and emergency assistance for injured survivors while also initiating discussions around long-term mining safety interventions for the area.
The businessman is now spearheading efforts to establish structured training programmes for local artisanal miners in partnership with the Junior Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe School of Mines.
The proposed initiative is expected to focus on responsible mining methods, shaft support systems, mine safety, environmental rehabilitation, legal compliance, and formalisation processes for small-scale miners operating in Matobo and surrounding communities.
Speaking during engagements with community representatives, Samuriwo described the tragedy as “a painful wake-up call” for the mining sector.
“No family should lose loved ones in such circumstances. Our responsibility now is not only to support the affected families but to ensure local miners are empowered through proper training, safety awareness, and responsible mining systems that protect lives and strengthen communities,” he said.
The businessman further indicated that local miners in Matobo and surrounding Nugget mining areas would be prioritised under the proposed community-centred training programmes aimed at improving safety standards and promoting sustainable livelihoods in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Principal of the Zimbabwe School of Mines, Eng Edwin Gwaze, welcomed the initiative and said grassroots technical education remains critical in reducing mining accidents across Zimbabwe.
“Formalisation and training are essential in building a safer and more productive artisanal mining sector. The Zimbabwe School of Mines stands ready to work with stakeholders and communities in empowering miners with technical knowledge, environmental awareness, and responsible mining skills.”
Secretary General of the Junior Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe, Mr Dosman Mangisi, also commended the Nugget mining community for taking practical steps towards empowering local miners through structured safety and technical programmes.
“What is encouraging about this initiative is that it focuses on long-term sustainability, professionalism, and community empowerment. Efforts by the Nugget mining community and its leadership to prioritise training, safety, and formalisation are critical in transforming artisanal mining into a more organised and productive sector that contributes meaningfully to national development,” said Mangisi.
Mining experts say Zimbabwe is not alone in facing challenges associated with artisanal mining. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue battling mine collapses and unsafe informal mining practices linked to limited technical training and weak formalisation systems.
Chief Government Mining Engineer, Eng Munodawafa, commended the initiative being championed by the Nugget mining community leadership towards empowering small-scale miners through structured safety programmes.
“Community-driven safety and formalisation initiatives are important for the long-term sustainability of Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Equipping artisanal miners with technical knowledge and responsible mining practices remains one of the most effective ways of reducing accidents and improving operational standards.”
National Vice Chairman for Miners4ED and Director of the Zimbabwe Mining Safety, Health and Environmental Council (ZIMSHEC), Mr Philemon Mokoela, said the initiative reflects the growing importance of safety-driven mining development within local communities.
“The future of mining depends on organised, skilled, and safety-conscious communities. Empowering local miners with technical knowledge, environmental awareness, and responsible mining systems is critical towards protecting lives while strengthening the mining sector.”
As funeral preparations continue for the deceased women, discussions are now intensifying around the establishment of permanent safety awareness programmes and formalised mining training systems within Matobo’s growing artisanal mining sector.
For many residents, the tragedy has become a painful reminder that the future success of Zimbabwe’s mining industry will depend not only on mineral production, but on the country’s ability to build a safer, more responsible, and community-driven mining culture.
