Zimpapers Logo

Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent
Artisanal miners have a higher risk of being injured at work due to lack of training, Zimbabwe Miners’ Federation spokesperson Mr Dosman Mangisi has said.

He said Government should embark on vigorous targeted training for artisanal miners on safe methods of mining following an increase in the number of accidents involving artisanal miners.

“We are aware that small-scale miners are at risk of occupational accidents and in many cases do not have insurance cover. However, this is due to lack of proper education and training on safety practices at work,” he said.

“They lack awareness on the hazards posed by the chemicals they handle, hence there is need for surveillance and regulation by both national and local governments.”

Mr Mangisi believes the setting up of mining service centres would go a long way in addressing occupational accidents.
“We are appealing for Government to set up mining processing centres where the production processes can be done properly at an affordable cost. These artisanal miners do not have enough capital to buy machinery to process the ore. If Government can chip in on that area, safety is guar- anteed.”

Mr Mangisi said the risks are even more harmful for women whose reproductive system has suffered serious challenges due to harmful chemicals used in mineral processing.

“Lack of adherence to the health and safety regulations can even result in complications more so for women. Gender- sensitive approaches that centre on occupational health and safety for women in small-scale mining should be implemented.”

A report produced by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) shows that small scale-miners record as many as three fatalities and 15 serious injuries per 1 000 workers each month.
Zimbabwe has so far experienced 1 135 serious workplace injuries in the first three months of the year while nine deaths have been recorded so far.