adminSources at the asbestos mine said the workers were operating like illegal panners, as they were doing everything manually, using picks and shovels.
They said things are far from being normal at the mine where workers are struggling to get the required equipment for proper mining, including protective clothing.
The sources said the situation was exposing them to danger.
“Nine of our colleagues were recently trapped underground following a power outage with the rescue team failing to assist them owing to lack of resources. What is happening at Shabanie Mine at the moment is not mining, but more of panning. We are operating more like illegal panners, who do most of their panning activities using shovels and picks. The mine management is failing to provide the required equipment like jack hammers and drilling machines,” said one worker.
The workers said they were also using wheelbarrows instead of dumpers and earth moving machinery to collect and heap the asbestos ore underground.
“The situation is just difficult and not conducive for working. We are working like animals and we are not getting paid for our labour. We were last given $100 each in November 2012 and we have since received payslips, which indicate that we are going to get $70 each this month,” said another worker.
The workers said they were also working wearing their casual clothes, as the company was failing to supply them with overalls.
Shabanie and Mashaba Mine Holdings chief executive officer, Mr Chirandu Dhlembeu, confirmed that the mining operations at Shabanie Mine were being done manually.
Mr Dhlembeu also confirmed that some of the mine workers were trapped following a power cut.
He said the miners have since been rescued.
“I can confirm that most of our operations at Shabanie Mine are being done manually. The mine is still facing recapitalisation challenges, as we are yet to secure investors,” he said.
Mr Dhlembeu said there was a power outage at the mine recently, which resulted in some employees being trapped underground.
“The workers are, however, out and are doing their duties as normal after power was restored,” he said.
Online Reporter