Players in the Small Scale and Artisanal mining sector have been urged to put safety first in all their activities in the rainy season period to avoid unnecessary loss of life.
In a recent address in Mberengwa, Mines Deputy Minister Polite Kambamura emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing safety in the small-scale and artisanal mining sector, particularly during the challenging rainy season.
Deputy Minister Kambamura underscored the government’s commitment to fostering “smart gold” practices, urging miners to exercise caution and avoid venturing underground while the ground is wet.
The small-scale and artisanal mining sector in Zimbabwe has been a crucial contributor to the nation’s gold production. Mines Minister Zhemu Soda reported that, for the period from January to September this year, small-scale miners played a significant role, delivering 13.8 tonnes of gold to Fidelity.
This impressive figure accounted for approximately 61 percent of the total gold production during that period.
However, the sector has been grappling with a mixed safety record. A recent survey conducted by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CoMZ) revealed a concerning trend. Between January and September 2023, there were 110 recorded fatalities in the country’s mines, marking an increase from the 106 accidents documented during the same period last year. This underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to mitigate risks and ensure the well-being of miners in this vital sector.
