Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Sunday News Reporter
THE Government has deployed civil protection structures at the Metallon Gold owned Redwing Mine in Penhalonga north of Mutare, where 11 miners are trapped 20 metres underground, after a mineshaft collapsed.
The mine accident occurred on Thursday between 5am and 6am and rescue efforts are ongoing amid hopes that the Metallon Gold employees could be rescued alive.
In a statement on Friday, the Acting Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Cde July Moyo said the Government would like to assure the nation and anxious families of the miners that search and rescue operations would continue into the coming days.
“I received the sad news of a mine accident that occurred between 5am and 6am on Thursday, 4 January 2024 which resulted in 11 people being trapped, about 20 metres, underground at Redwing Mine (owned by Metallon Gold) in Penhalonga.
“In responding to this unfortunate accident, the Government has immediately activated Civil Protection structures to deal with the critical matter of search and rescue at the mine. The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is leading a team of experts, including from Metallon Gold and Freda Rebecca Gold Mine of Bindura,” he said.
“Government would like to assure the nation and anxious families of the miners, in particular that search and rescue operations will continue into the coming days.”
He said in the meantime, the Government would render support to the families during the difficult time. The minister said contrary to some unsubstantiated reports circulating on social media platforms, the trapped miners were employees of Metallon Gold.
Minister Moyo said as the rescue efforts were underway the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Cde Zhemu Soda has since directed Metallon Gold to suspend operations at the mine.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, we call upon all miners to heed President Mnangagwa’s call for responsible mining in order to lessen the occurrence of such accidents and loss of precious life.”
Online Reporter