THE Zimbabwe Miners’ Federation (ZMF) has expressed concern over the safety of illegal miners and called on the government to provide them with proper tools to minimise accidents.
BY MTHANDAZO NYONI
This follows reports that three illegal miners were crashed to death by a rock boulder at Geelong Gold Mine in West Nicholson on Saturday while they were panning for gold at a disused mine shaft 400m underground.
The victims were identified as Bonnet Phiri, Milton and Kenvas Muyambo.
ZMF spokesperson Dosman Mangisi said the incident highlighted the need to equip all artisanal, small and medium-scale miners in Zimbabwe with proper tools.
“It is our concern and our mandate to make sure that all artisanal and small-scale miners are mechanised with proper mining equipment and all modes of safety to reduce these mining incidents,” he said.
“As part of our effort to mechanise, ZMF has already made inroads with mining equipment supplies to make sure miners are working in a safe and conducive environment.
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“Also they are mining to our good cause as a nation to make sure they contribute to the economy while their lives are preserved and protected,” he added.
“The safety and welfare of artisanal and small-scale miners is our major concern.
“We shall collectively work with government stakeholders in such issues.”
In the run-up to the 2013 elections, Zanu PF promised to regularise gold panning saying the country’s mining laws were relics of colonialism.
