The Zimbabwe Mining Safety, Health and Environmental Council has urged artisanal and small-scale miners to strengthen safety measures as the rainy season begins. Executive Director Makumba Nyenje says the rains bring increased risks of flooding, ground movement, and electrocution in mining areas. He’s calling on miners to install dewatering equipment and to stop underground operations when conditions become unsafe.
Nyenje also warned against exposed electrical cables at milling plants, saying they must be insulated to prevent fatal accidents.
He urged operators of cyanidation plants to clear storm drains and prevent toxic runoff from contaminating water sources, which can harm fish and nearby communities.
Nyenje added that rescue teams should always be on standby during the rainy season to respond to accidents quickly. He says taking precautions now will help save lives and protect the environment.
The recent tragedy at Auriga 47 Mine in Nzwananzwi Village, Silobela, serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by the rainy season to artisanal miners. On November 5, 2025, heavy rains flooded and collapsed a mining shaft, trapping seven miners who had been prospecting for gold underground. The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety measures and awareness among small-scale miners as the rains intensify across the country.
