Peter Matika, [email protected]
MINING operators have been urged to reinforce security at their claims and seal off abandoned shafts as the onset of the rainy season increases the risk of illegal mining activities turning into deadly disasters.
The warning comes amid growing concern over unauthorised entry into mining properties, with illegal miners continuing to venture into operational, abandoned and disused underground workings in search of gold, often exposing themselves to flooded shafts, collapsing walls and unstable ground.
Mining stakeholders say protecting mineral claims during the rainy season should go beyond safeguarding valuable resources, as poorly secured mining sites can become death traps for desperate fortune seekers, while also exposing legitimate operators to security, environmental and potential liability challenges.
The industry is being challenged to adopt stronger security arrangements, including perimeter fencing, trained security personnel, access-control systems, surveillance cameras and regular inspections, particularly at vulnerable sites where illegal miners can easily gain entry.
The rainy season presents additional dangers as underground water levels rise, loose soil becomes unstable, and waterlogged mine walls become increasingly susceptible to collapse.
Open pits can also fill rapidly, while poorly maintained shafts may become inaccessible once flooding occurs.
Young Miners Foundation chief executive officer Mr Payne Kupfuwa said the rainy season was one of the most dangerous periods for artisanal and small-scale miners, with previous seasons having recorded fatalities arising from unsafe mining practices.
Mr Kupfuwa, who is also a miner, has previously called on operators to put human life ahead of production, emphasising the need to develop a strong safety culture across the sector.
He warned that many small-scale miners had not adequately invested in developing their mines, making them particularly vulnerable to accidents during the wet season.
“As miners, we should preserve life and maintain a safety culture this rainy season. Safety comes first before we look at the returns; hence, let us practice responsible mining,” he said.
Mr Kupfuwa also advocated regular inspections through safety, health and environmental departments, proper shaft support, drainage systems, evacuation plans and first-aid facilities at mining sites.
Security has also emerged as an important part of the industry’s preparedness, with local security service providers being encouraged to work closely with mine owners to identify weaknesses before they are exploited.
Mr Wilson Sibanda a security specialist, who has experience in providing security services to mining operations in Matabeleland, represents the growing role of private security companies in protecting mining properties.
Mr Sibanda said guarding services at gold mines in Filabusi and Gwanda, with firearms, are important.
“The use of high-end technological systems illustrates the specialised nature of mining security, which requires more than simply placing guards at an entrance. Mine owners need to undertake proper risk assessments, establish controlled entry points, maintain patrols around vulnerable sections and ensure that security personnel can communicate quickly when suspicious movements are detected,” he said.
Mr Sibanda said they also need to distinguish between ordinary perimeter protection and the particular risks associated with mining properties, where illegal entry can result in mineral theft, damage to infrastructure, sabotage and potentially fatal accidents.
“A layered security approach involving physical barriers, lighting, alarm systems, surveillance technology and properly trained guards can help identify intruders before they reach dangerous underground workings. However, security measures must be supported by regular inspections and the proper closure of disused shafts. Simply putting up warning signs is insufficient where an abandoned opening remains accessible,” said Mr Sibanda.
He said mining operators also need to maintain accurate records of their shafts and underground workings so that security personnel and emergency responders know which areas are operational, abandoned or particularly hazardous.
Government has previously warned artisanal miners against continuing underground operations during the rainy season.
In January 2024, Government warned that rainfall increased the dangers of flooding, drowning, ground subsidence and slime-dam breaches, advising artisanal miners to suspend operations until the rains had ended.
The warning remains relevant as mining communities prepare for another wet season, particularly in gold-producing areas where abandoned and poorly maintained workings can attract illegal miners.
For legitimate mining operators, the challenge is therefore twofold: preventing unauthorised access while ensuring that vulnerable workings do not become hazards to surrounding communities.
Mine owners are being encouraged to identify abandoned shafts, secure them with appropriate barriers and warning signs, undertake regular structural assessments and ensure that drainage systems are functional before heavy rains begin.
Where illegal miners are discovered, operators should alert the police and relevant mining authorities rather than allowing confrontations that could result in violence or further danger.
