A distressing incident unfolded as a mine collapse in Kwekwe trapped two individuals underground, prompting ongoing rescue efforts that, as of now, have proven futile. Mr. Reason Machina, leading the Kwekwe District Civil Protection Unit, is spearheading the coordination of the rescue operations.Upon receiving a report of the incident, Mr. Machina shared, “We received information that at least two people were trapped underground after the mine collapse on Sunday. Rescue efforts have been underway since then, and I have been informed that Kuvimba Mining House, one of the mining giants, has contributed an excavator to aid in the rescue operations.”
Despite relentless efforts by rescue teams since the incident on Sunday, accessing the mine and locating potential survivors has been challenging due to adverse conditions and the substantial scale of the collapse. Mr. Machina voiced his apprehensions about the situation, stating, “Since Sunday to date, the chances of success are very slim, but hope remains. Our primary goal is also to determine the number of individuals who were underground when the disaster occurred.”
The unfortunate collapse is emblematic of the prevalent challenges faced by artisanal and small-scale mines in Zimbabwe. Notably, the country has witnessed similar incidents, with 15 miners recently trapped at Redwing mine in Penhalonga, fortunately resulting in no loss of lives. Concerns persist, particularly during the rainy season, but accidents continue throughout the year. Disused mines, often lacking safety measures, are susceptible to accidents, complicating rescue efforts.
Highlighting the broader context, it’s essential to note that in 2019, Zimbabwe recorded 116 accidents with 182 fatalities. In 2021, there was a decrease in both accidents and fatalities compared to the previous year, with 121 accidents and 139 fatalities. As of September 30, 2022, the country had reported 125 accidents and 139 fatalities. Some incidents, occurring in remote areas, may go unreported, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the mining sector.
