Mines ministry urges miners to suspend operations

Zim Now Writer

The Mines and Mining Development Ministry has warned miners, especially small-scale miners who are mining in waterways or low-lying areas, to suspend operations until the floods have gone.

This follows the warnings that have been issued in connection with Cyclone Freddy, which is expected to hit the country today.

The Ministry’s Chief Government Mining Engineer Michael J Munodawafa said miners should value their lives more than the minerals.

“My fellow Zimbabweans, especially our small-scale miners and relatives, I'm sure we have all heard about the Cyclone coming to Zimbabwe in the next few days. The cyclone will come with heavy rain which will cause flooding.

“The heavy rains and flooding will also result in the introduction of instability in the ground due to oversaturation of water will result in ground collapse and bury our miners alive,” he said.

Munodawafa added that miners should heed the warning as no miner should lose their life.

“We should keep away from our shafts as they are likely to be flooded and drown you.

“Let’s all take this seriously as we do not want to lose any miner during this cyclone Freddy. A single loss of life is a loss to the family, the village, the country and all of us.

“Please let’s retreat briefly until the cyclone has gone and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe,” he added.