THE Senate has raised concern over the rising number of deaths linked to illegal mining activities across Zimbabwe, questioning the effectiveness of government inspection and enforcement of mining laws.
The issue came up during a Senate sitting after Senator Maggie Chakabuda asked the Mines and Mining Development minister what measures were being taken to curb fatal accidents involving artisanal and illegal miners.
Responding, Mines and Mining Development deputy minister responsible for Oil and Gas Research and Other Strategic Minerals Exploration Caleb Makwiranzou described the situation as “quite painful,” acknowledging that illegal mining remains a major challenge.
“Government is quite concerned with these accidents and we do not want to see people losing their lives because we have not done our part,” he said.
Makwiranzou said the ministry would increase the number of inspectors and work with political and community leaders to identify illegal mining sites.
“Because of the structure of our ministry, which has few inspectors and because of the accidents that are quite prevalent, we have engaged more inspectors,” he said.
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He also revealed that some registered mining claim holders are allegedly allowing illegal artisanal miners to operate on their concessions, only alerting authorities after fatal accidents occur.
“We are going to arrest those who own such claims,” he warned.
However, senators questioned the ministry’s inspection system, arguing that government intervention often comes after deaths have occurred. Chief Chikwaka said stricter checks should be done before mining certificates are issued, including verifying whether applicants have adequate resources and comply with safety regulations.
Makwiranzou said inspectors mainly monitored registered miners and often struggled to track illegal operations.
“Our inspectors are visiting registered miners but they do not know illegal miners. That is why we are requesting information so that we know where illegal mining is happening,” he said.
Chief Charumbira questioned the practicality of deploying inspectors from urban centres to remote mining areas, saying lack of resources such as fuel hampers enforcement. He proposed a community-based monitoring system involving local leaders.
“It does not work to deploy from a long distance,” he said.
Makwiranzou agreed, saying communities should play a greater role in reporting illegal mining activities. He said the ministry intended to strengthen co-operation with local structures.
He added that the ministry deploys at least two inspectors per province.
Meanwhile, concerns were also raised over mining taking place dangerously close to homes and public infrastructure. Headman Moyo alleged that mining is occurring under homes and along the Mbalabala-Zvishavane Road, with reports implicating some investors.
Deputy minister Fred Moyo said mining under roads and residential areas was prohibited by law, requiring operations to be at least 450 metres away from homes.
He said the ministry was unaware of the reported cases, adding investigations would be carried out.
“We will visit these areas to address the situation,” Moyo said.