In a harrowing turn of events, a mine collapse at Zimbabwe’s Redwing Mine has left eleven subsistence miners trapped underground. The catastrophe occurred on Thursday morning, with earth tremors suspected to be the underlying cause, according to the Zimbabwean mines ministry.
Metallon Corporation, the mine’s owner, confirmed the incident and has since deployed a rescue team. Despite several attempts, the unstable ground conditions have hindered the rescue efforts. The company stated, “Our teams are diligently assessing ground conditions to ensure the rescue operations proceed safely as soon as possible.”
Redwing Mine, located 270 km west of Harare, has been under corporate rescue since 2020 and is primarily operated by subsistence miners. This incident highlights the precarious nature of such mining operations, which often lack formal safety measures.
The plight of the trapped miners has drawn attention to the broader issue of mining safety in Zimbabwe. In 2023, reports of similar mine collapse and the dangers faced by artisanal miners have surfaced, underscoring the need for improved safety regulations and enforcement.
Zimbabwe, rich in gold, coal, and diamonds, has seen its fair share of mining accidents, often involving informal miners. The government has been urged to address the safety concerns that plague the industry, as the country aims to bolster its economy through mining.
As the world watches, hope remains that the miners will be safely rescued and reunited with their families. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who delve into the earth’s depths in search of precious minerals.
This is a developing story and we will provide updates as received.
Source: Zawya
