Platinum Group Metals producer Zimplats dominated the 2024 Mine Rescue Competitions, with its teams clinching top honors in both the Proto (donning) and Fresh Air (non-donning) categories.
In the fiercely contested donning category, Zimplats Ngezi emerged victorious, with Mimosa Mine securing second place and How Mine taking third. The category featured eight participating teams: Zimplats Ngezi, Blanket Mine, Hwange Colliery, How Mine, Freda Rebecca, Mimosa, Unki Mine, and Redwing.
Zimplats SMC took first place in the non-donning category, followed by Blanket Mine and Shamva Mine in second and third, respectively. This category had four competitors: Zimplats SMC, Blanket Mine, Jena Mines, and Shamva Mine.
Zimplats Senior General Manager, Simbarashe Goto, commended the teams for their commitment to safety and resilience. “Mining is inherently hazardous, and accidents can still occur despite robust safety measures. These brave individuals risk their lives to save others during emergencies,” Goto said. His remarks were delivered by Engineer Tapuwa Munenerwa.
“Beyond Competition, Aiming for Safety Preparedness”
Dr. Alfred Chinyere, President of the Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe, praised Zimplats for hosting the event despite economic challenges facing the mining sector.
“Many mining companies are operating under pressure due to falling commodity prices, and we appreciate Zimplats for hosting the event in these difficult times. We also thank all the teams for dedicating resources to participate,” Chinyere said.
The event’s primary goal was to assess and enhance emergency preparedness across the mining industry. Judges noted that all teams met the required standards, displaying urgency and fitness during rescue simulations. However, they urged teams to improve their reporting procedures, emphasizing the need for detailed post-rescue reports on site conditions, injuries, and preventive recommendations.
Category Winners and Individual Achievements
Donning Category (Proto):
• Best Individual (Workload Test): Nyasha Manzunzu, Blanket Mine
• Best Individual (Theory Test): Isiah Makurunye, Unki Mine
• Best Male (Workload): Nhalo Sibanda, Blanket Mine
• Best Female (Workload): Tracy Madamombe, Hwange Colliery
• Best Team (Workload): How Mine
• Most Improved Team: Freda Rebecca Gold Mine
• Most Call-Outs Attended: Redwing
Non-Donning Category (Fresh Air):
• Best Individual (Workload Test): Simon Mupingidza, Shamva Mine
• Best Individual (Theory Test): Trust Mudzingwa, Zimplats SMC
• Best Female (Workload): Netsai Chikonhi, Zimplats SMC
• Best Female (Theory Test): Yvonne Mubaira, Shamva Mine
• Best Male (Workload): Spancer Makuwaza, Zimplats SMC
• Best Female (Workload): Patience Mahumutsa, Zimplats
The competition reinforced the importance of safety in mining operations and encouraged continuous improvement in emergency response protocols.
