MARTIN MAWAYA
KWEKWE – The government has warned the mining sector against ill-treatment of workers and ordered them to comply with the country’s laws as it targets a US$20 billion mining industry by 2030.
The call comes amid reports of labor malpractice and fatal accidents at many a Chinese-owned mining companies.
The accidents stem from disregarding the country’s labor
laws and a lack of accountability by the citizens of friendly economic giant.
Recently, the Gweru-based Chinese Ferro chrome mining firm, JINYI Enterprise Pvt Ltd, faced allegations of compromising workers’ safety and concealing deadly accidents.
Similarly, the Chinese-run Jojo Mine owned by Ming Chang Sino Africa Mining Investment in Kwekwe is alleged to have workers living in deplorable conditions, with no proper housing and ablution facilities.
According to government statistics, 4,191 occupational injuries and 59 fatalities were recorded in the mining industry last year, which has the highest proportion of accidents.
Additionally, the mining and quarrying sector accounts for approximately 5% of child labor in the country
Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando said the government will take a “firm stance” on non-compliant mining companies, adding that audit teams have been dispatched to conduct comprehensive compliance checks across the country.
Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Owen Ncube warned the errant miners against violating the country’s laws, urging them to adhere to various Acts, including the Mines and Minerals Act, Environmental Management Act, Labor Act, Urban and Rural District Councils Act, and Immigration Act.
Ncube directed government agencies and local authorities to ensure compliance with mining policies and procedures, as well as enforcing responsible mining in the province.
He stressed the importance of attending to the welfare of workers and local communities, stating that “it is unacceptable for workers to stay under deplorable conditions” and that the ill-treatment of workers is unacceptable.
The minister called on the mining sector to partner with the government to address challenges in their areas of operation, including maintaining roads and implementing sustainable corporate social responsibility programs for local communities.
