AN employee at Dinson Colliery in Hwange d!ed last week after he was reportedly electrocuted by a faulty machine he was using.
The now d3ceased was identified as Prince Mpofu (age not given).
The latest incident highlights the prevalence of mine fatalities and injuri3s in Zimbabwe’s extractive industry, where health and safety standards are rarely observed as companies prioritise profits more than anything else.
Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) executive director, Farai Maguwu confirmed the unfortunate incident, through a post on his X handle.
“Two days ago, Prince Mpofu di3d at work at Dinson Colliery in Hwange. Found d3ad near the machine, bleeding through the ears.
“Body taken to Bulawayo for post mortem. Electrical shock suspected. Mining sector claiming lives like never before. Profits over human life!” said Farai Maguwu
In 2023 alone, mine accidents in kill3d at least 237 people, making it one of the worst years in the country’s mining history.
According to Xinhua news agency, chief government mining engineer, Michael Munodawafa, noted that the d3ath toll was a tally from 212 d3adly mining accidents recorded, while some go unreported.
Most of the de@ths involved unregistered artisanal miners, who often engaged in unsafe mining and were reluctant to follow safety protocols, Munodawafa said.
Last year’s d3aths are an increase from 139 recorded in 2022 from 121 accidents.
He said the unregistered artisanal miners are prone to mining accidents because they lack the skills and technical expertise to practice safe mining and often disregard legislation.
NewZimbabwe
