Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
MINERS have been urged to take urgent safety precautions as the rainy season intensifies, with Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando saying that persistent downpours were increasing the risk of fatal accidents in extractive communities.
He told a media briefing yesterday that the rains had already resulted in avoidable deaths and called on large-scale, medium-scale and artisanal miners to prioritise safety above production.
“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. Regrettably, we have already lost lives this rainy season due to flooding, something that could have been avoided.”
Minister Chitando said his ministry was concerned about mining continuing in hazardous conditions, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging and flooding.
“We implore all miners to be cognisant of these dangers and risks, and accordingly take adequate precautions to mine safely and preserve lives.”
Flooding, drowning, weakened ground structures, subsidence and slimes dam breaches become more prevalent during the rainy season, putting thousands of miners at risk.
As part of the Ministry’s safety directives, Minister Chitando advised miners to avoid operating along waterways, where heavy rains upstream can cause sudden shaft flooding.
Mine operators were also told to stop digging and blasting in old mine workings, where soaked ground can collapse without warning.
“Pillar robbing underground should be avoided at anytime and at all costs,” he said emphasising the increased risk of structural instability when the ground is saturated.
Minister Chitando also cautioned against sinking shafts in low-lying areas and stressed the importance of diverting free-flowing water away from active mine workings. Before entering underground shafts, miners must conduct thorough risk assessments.
“Where such assessment indicates any potential risk, miners are advised to completely stop mining altogether and resume when the rains stop.”
With the rains expected to persist, the ministry said safety must remain the foremost priority to ensure mining continues without tragedy.
