By Staff Reporter

In a move aimed at promoting safety and efficiency in the mining sector, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has initiated comprehensive capacitation programs tailored specifically for artisanal miners.

This endeavour seeks to equip these miners with essential knowledge and skills vital for the adoption of safe mining methods.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry said that the capacitation programs had already commenced and were slated to be conducted nationwide.

The programs encompass various crucial aspects, with a primary focus on formalizing mining operations.

The statement urged unregistered miners to formally register their mines, thereby ensuring adherence to regulatory frameworks.

"The awareness campaigns will also cover issues to do with the formalization of mining operations, with a focus on unregistered miners who are expected to formally register their mines," reads the statement from the Ministry.

Furthermore, the Ministry encourages miners to actively engage in associations of their choice, fostering opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing.

This collaborative approach was envisioned to bolster the collective capacity of artisanal miners, thereby enhancing their overall effectiveness and safety standards.

In addition to capacitation efforts, the Ministry announced plans to provide mining equipment through the Mining Industry Loan Fund during the forthcoming Provincial Mines Workshops.

However, the Ministry also issued a stern warning, emphasizing the importance of compliance with governance requirements.

Ministry inspectors are poised to enforce these regulations rigorously, with non-compliance risking statutory punishment.

Meanwhile, recent incidents underscore the critical need for enhanced safety measures within the mining sector.

Last month, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Soda Zhemu, issued a directive urging artisanal miners to cease operations during the rainy season due to the heightened risks of flooding and collapsing shafts.

The Minister emphasized that while formal mining companies may continue operations, they must adhere strictly to safe mining methods and comply with all regulatory directives.

This cautionary stance follows a harrowing incident where artisanal miners were trapped in a collapsed mineshaft at Metallon Gold’s Redwing Mine in the Tsapauta area of Penhalonga, Mutare, further highlighting the inherent dangers associated with unregulated mining practices.

Economist, Persistence Gwanyanya, said that the Ministry's capacitation programs represented a pivotal step towards ensuring the safety and sustainability of artisanal mining operations across the nation.

He added that through concerted efforts and collaborative partnerships, the mining sector can strive towards a future characterized by enhanced safety standards and responsible resource utilization.