DT Correspondent
Government has held mining giant Metallon Gold responsible for the devastating accident that occurred at Redwing Mine.
Reportedly, 11 individuals are currently trapped approximately 20 meters below the surface, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Soda Zhemu said Metallon had been allocating mining areas, known as tributing, to various companies and individuals.
As per the arrangement, Metallon assumed the responsibility of managing these tributed areas.
Minister Zhemu has since assured the nationa that Metallon with the help of relevant authorities is capable to conduct the rescue mission.
However, he said due to ongoing ground instability, rescue operations have been temporarily suspended.
“The Shaft that collapsed was under some individuals and people trapped were workers of the tribute. Management of tributed areas falls under principal owner, Metallon Gold”
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Minister Soda emphasized that the ongoing rescue operation is being spearheaded by the Metallon Gold rescue team.
“Therefore, the Rescue team from Metallon has been leading in the rescue effort supported by Ministry of Mines and other stakeholders including ZRP and Civil Protection Unit,” he told journalists in Harare on Thursday.
Investigations have uncovered that the miners involved in the accident potentially undermined crucial support pillars, leading to the collapse of the mine shaft.
The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of January 4, between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
While the exact cause of the mine shaft collapse is yet to be definitively determined, authorities suspect it to be an earth tremor.
With the ground at the site of the accident still cracking and subsiding, authorities have made the difficult decision to suspend rescue activities.
Consequently, rescue operations are scheduled to resume tomorrow morning.
