Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
MINISTER of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza has urged small-scale miners in Penhalonga to operate in an orderly manner, reinvest their earnings and prioritise underground safety to prevent fatal accidents.
Addressing hundreds of artisanal miners at a Better Brands bira held at Redwing Mine this afternoon, Minister Mugadza said Government would support those who complied with safety and environmental regulations, but warned that disorderly and violent operations would be shut down within hours.
“When you have discovered the precious mineral, do not squander all the earnings. Set aside a portion of your earning and reinvest it so that you have another source of income,” said Minister Mugadza. He urged miners to take precautionary measures while working underground, citing recurring shaft collapses in the area.
“I would also like to urge you to prioritise your safety while underground. Do not endanger yourselves. As you are aware, there have been cases of shaft collapse. Always ensure there is underground timbering to at least prevent that,” he said.
“Government is ready to support you and boost your income as long as you are prepared to conduct your business in an orderly manner. The moment you do it in a disorderly and violent manner, the operations will cease within 24 hours because Government will not allow that,” said Minister Mugadza.
The traditional ceremony, organised by Better Brands, was held to appease ancestral spirits and seek safe passage for artisanal mining in designated areas.
Chief Mutasa said the bira, which should be conducted every February in line with cultural tradition, was intended to prevent loss of life during mining activities.
“The bira was meant to appease ancestors to allow artisanal mining in permitted areas to be smooth without loss of lives,” said Chief Mutasa, adding that this should be coupled with precautionary by the artisanal miners themselves.
He warned that certain areas remained sacred and mining was prohibited, adding that those sites must always be preserved.
Chief Mutasa said the ceremony was also linked to the planned rehabilitation of Mutare River, which is expected to commence soon. The event at Redwing Mine drew hundreds of artisanal miners, traditional and community leaders and company officials.
Small-scale mining remains a key livelihood in Penhalonga, but the sector has faced repeated safety incidents linked to unregulated shafts and poor timbering.
Minister Mugadza said traditional rites had a role to play, but responsibility for underground safety ultimately rested with the artisanal miners themselves.
“While the traditional leadership was doing its part by appeasing ancestral spirits, as artisanal miners, you should take precautionary measures that prioritise your own safety while underground,” he said.
