A devastating incident at Pickstone Peerless Mine in Chegutu has claimed the lives of four illegal miners, with one survivor rescued, following an unauthorized blast in an open pit during the early hours of Tuesday, 28 May 2025.
According to a press statement released by Dallaglio Investments (Pvt) Ltd, the operator of the mine, a group of approximately 30 illegal miners unlawfully accessed the site and conducted a blast that trapped five individuals under rubble. The company’s emergency response team was immediately deployed after receiving an alert about the incident. While one person was rescued alive, four others were recovered deceased.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) responded swiftly, attending the scene and facilitating the transfer of the deceased to ZRP Chegutu for further handling. The identities of the deceased and the condition of the survivor have not been disclosed at this time.
Dallaglio Investments expressed deep regret over the tragedy, emphasizing the dangers of illegal mining activities, particularly those involving explosives. The company urged community members to prioritize safety and refrain from entering mine sites unlawfully, highlighting that such actions pose severe risks to life and undermine community well-being.
“Our thoughts are with the families affected by this loss,” the statement read, issued by Mejrkh Communications and Media Advisory on behalf of Dallaglio. The company also committed to collaborating with law enforcement and community leaders to raise awareness about mine safety and prevent future incidents.