Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
A 44-year-old Load Haul Dump (LHD) operator at Anglo American Platinum’s Unki Mine in Shurugwi, tragically lost his life following a workplace accident last Sunday.
The worker has been identified as, Mr Felix Kore, who had risen to LHD operator early this year.
Unki Mines confirmed the tragic accident in a circular to employees, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Mr Kore at the mine’s South Section.
Mr Kore joined Unki Mines in September 2017 as a lasher. “He worked his way up becoming a Bolter Assistant in 2018. Most recently, he trained and qualified as an LHD Operator in January this year,” the mine said in the circular.
Mr Kore was expected to be buried at his homestead in Village 4, Chironde in Shurugwi. The mine has said investigations into the circumstances leading to Mr Kore’s death are underway.
His death comes after that of two artisanal gold miners, who died in a separate case when they were trapped in a mine shaft, which collapsed on January 9 this year at Knot Brothers Farm in Mbere
The bodies of Mr Desire Mareva (27) and Mr Farai Machenjedze (23) were retrieved six days later and were in a state of decomposition.
The mining sector has experienced a number of fatalities and serious injuries.
In 2023, the mining sector witnessed 212 accidents and 237 fatalities, marking a rise of 28 percent from 2022. Of these, 14 percent were from mines registered under the Chamber of Mines and 71 percent were from illegal mines not registered under the Chamber of Mines.
In 2022, Zimbabwe recorded 139 fatalities from 121 mine accidents.
Miners have been urged to observe safety guidelines in line with the Mines and Minerals Act to avoid accidents.
Bongani Ndlovu