By DT Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’s monthly gold production is set to take a significant hit as government has proposed an immediate suspension of all small-scale mining operations until the end of the rainy season.
The decision, announced by Mines Minister Zhemu Soda, comes amid concerns about the risks to miners’ lives and equipment posed by incessant heavy rains currently drenching the country.
Soda’s proposed suspension, though arguably necessary, might be a blow to Zimbabwe’s gold production, as small-scale miners contribute the lion’s share of monthly deliveries.
ALSO READ
Trapped Miners are Employees of Metallon Gold” – Govt
BREAKING: Government Orders Suspension of Metallon Operations at Redwing After Mine Collapse
ZMF Proposes Partnership with KMH for Lithium Toll Processing
Their absence from the field is expected to significantly reduce output, potentially impacting the country’s export earnings.
“The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development would like to advise all miners, large scale, medium scale, and small scale in particular artisanal miners across the country that the onset of the rainy season brings with it grave dangers and risks that are a threat to lives and potential loss of equipment and damage to mines,” said Soda on Monday.
“During the rainy season we experience heightened risks in the form of flooding, drowning, weakened ground leading to fall and ground subsidence as well as slime dam breaches which unfortunately lead to loss of lives.
“As a precaution, small scale artisanal miners are advised to completely stop mining altogether and resume when the rains stop.”
The suggestion comes barely a week after the rescue of 15 trapped miners at Redwing Mine in Manicaland.
Two artisanal miners lost their lives in Nkayi two days ago after a mine shaft they had invaded caved in due to the rains.
