Zimbabwe advises artisanal miners to stop operations due to rains

Engineering vehicles are seen at an open cast mine operated by Zhong Jian Investments, a Chinese coal mining company, in Hwange, Matebeleland North Province, Zimbabwe, on June 13, 2022. [Xinhua]

The Zimbabwean government has advised small-scale and artisanal miners to stop mining until the rainy season ends.

In addition, all miners including large and medium-scale miners should take precautionary measures to safeguard their operations during the current rainy season due to heightened risks of flooding, drowning, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/africa/article/2001488601/zimbabwe-rescues-all-15-trapped-miners-alive">weakened ground and ground< subsidence, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Zhemu Soda said in a statement on Monday.

His call comes after 15 artisanal miners were trapped for four days at the Redwing Gold Mine in Mutare. The collapse of a shaft led to their entrapment, with rescue efforts initially hindered by unstable ground. They were successfully rescued on the fourth day.

Zimbabwe is expected to experience a "short and sharp" rainfall season this year owing to the El Nino weather phenomenon. Authorities said the rains, which started in late December, could end by February.