Govt halts Redwing Mine operations following disas...

Govt halts Redwing Mine operations following disaster

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Mines Minister Zhemu Soda has reportedly directed companies mining at Redwing Mine in Penhalonga, Manicaland Province, to halt operations following the collapse of a shaft, leading to the trapping of more than eleven miners.

Information obtained by this publication from sources reveals that upon arriving at Redwing Mine on Friday morning, together with government inspectors, Zhemu was reportedly forced to direct the suspension of both Better Brands and Metallon’s mining activities.

“All those involved in mining within the nearby Penhalonga area, including Better Brands, have also been ordered to suspend their mining operations until a report clarifying the way forward is released,” the source said.

“The shaft is more than 1 km deep, and more than 30 people are trapped as we speak.”

Government, however, claims that only 11 people are suspected trapped in the shaft.

The collapse of the mine shaft is suspected to have been caused by an earth tremor whose source is yet to be ascertained. It is also suspected that miners tampered with support pillars, leading to the collapse of the shaft.

The Ministry yesterday said Metallon had been allocating mining areas, known as tributing, to various companies and individuals.

“I have established that Metallón Gold Redwing has been tributing mining areas at Redwing even to individuals. The shaft that collapsed was under some individuals, and the people trapped were workers of the tribute. Management of tributed areas falls under the principal owner Metalon Gold in this case,” Zhemu said.

Metallon Corporation has since released a statement saying the ground remains unstable to carry out rescue operations.