In a significant stride towards enhancing health and safety among small-scale and artisanal miners, the Miners for Economic Development (Miners for ED) Mashonaland West Chapter has launched extensive educational campaigns aimed at drastically reducing mine accidents and occupational hazards. This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to elevate health and safety awareness within the mining community, targeting a substantial decrease in occupational deaths and injuries.
The latest in a series of these educational drives took place at Rowdy Boys 4 Mine, located merely 3 kilometers from Chinhoyi town. This event drew small-scale miners from the surrounding areas, all eager to learn and improve safety standards in their operations. Abel Mudyanadzo, who leads the safety and health desk for Miners for ED, emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing health and safety over production and profitability to ensure safer mining environments devoid of injuries or fatalities.
Judah Charamba, the owner of the host mine, expressed his gratitude for the timely and crucial discussions, noting the prevalence of accidents and health concerns in small-scale mining sectors. He hoped the insights gained from the event would translate into practical actions to mitigate mine accidents and enhance overall health and safety.
Farrison Dzikati Mapfumo, a visiting mine manager at the campaign, lauded the initiative by Miners for ED, an organization affiliated with Zanu, for aligning with the government’s directives to regularize small-scale and artisanal mining operations while fostering a culture of wellness. He pointed out the significant benefits derived from the health and safety awareness drive, pledging to disseminate the knowledge further within the mining community.
Gift Jakarasi, the Provincial Coordinator for Miners for ED, highlighted the organization’s comprehensive support for President Mnangagwa’s developmental policies, which have contributed to the thriving Zimbabwean mining industry. He underlined that the campaign’s participants were educated on various essential mining safety precautions necessary across all exploration and extraction activities.
In an exclusive interview with NewZimbabwe.com, the Mashonaland West provincial chairman for Miners for ED revealed that beyond health and safety initiatives, the organization is deeply involved in addressing issues such as drug and substance abuse, sexual and reproductive health, and the empowerment of youth and women. Additionally, the organization actively promotes Brand Zanu-PF by illustrating the numerous achievements of Zimbabwe’s Second Republic across various sectors.
This comprehensive approach not only aims to safeguard the physical well-being of miners but also to foster a holistic environment conducive to sustainable development and empowerment within the mining sector. Through these concerted efforts, Miners for ED Mashonaland West Chapter aspires to set a precedent in occupational health and safety, ensuring a safer and more productive future for small-scale and artisanal mining in Zimbabwe.
Source: New Zimbabwe
