Fatal: 12 illegal miners trapped at Peace Mine.
At least 12 illegal gold miners are trapped underground since Saturday the 9th of January 2021. This happened after a mining shaft collapsed at Peace Mine in Silobela.
Rescue efforts are in motion, the authorities have confirmed. Contact with the trapped miners was made and they are still safe. The miners are receiving oxygen through a tunnel. This is to keep them alive and get rid of toxic gases underground.
Acting Kwekwe District Civil Protection Unit chairperson, Mr Clemence Muduma expects the miners to be rescued today. In a statement he says, “We are on the ground and running. The community is working tirelessly and communication with the trapped has been established. We can assure they are still safe.”
Fatal: 12 illegal miners trapped at Peace Mine.
Cde Mthokozisi Manoki Mpofu visited the site. The Silobela Member of Parliament confirms that the fellow miners and the community are undertaking the rescue mission.” Despite the task being difficult, all involved parties will not give up”, the MP said.
The miners entered the shaft illegally with the help of some security personnel at the Mine. This accident comes after the Zimbabwe Miners Federation and the Environmental Management Agency warns miners to be cautious during this rainy season. Due to heavy rains and flooding the ground becomes more susceptible to collapsing and flooding. Serious care is vital when operating underground during the rainy season.
According to The Chronicle, many illegal miners have died since the beginning of the rainy season. Many areas in Zimbabwe are currently encountering heavy rains and flooding. These include Chivi, Chiredzi and Gweru. Mining remains one of the pillars of the Zimbabwean economy and an essential service. However, the rainy season has always deterred mining activities in many parts of the country.