Mining Tragedy in Kwekwe: A Fatal Reminder of Zimbabwe’s Mining Dangers

Another day, another collapse. Six artisanal miners have tragically lost their lives in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, after a mine collapse near the Globe and Phoenix Mine area.

The incident unfolded close to the central business district, with the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) confirming the retrieval of all six bodies. This horrifying event is only the latest in a string of similar disasters. The Zimbabwean mining sector continues to witness deadly incidents, and yet, the same root causes persist.

The collapse wasn’t just a natural misfortune. It’s a manifestation of a deeper structural issue. Kwekwe itself is precariously built atop decades-old mining tunnels. These aren’t relics of history, they’re ticking time bombs. This collapse, involving artisanal miners, reveals the precarious balance that exists between mining activities and public safety in the town.

The CPU, under District Development Coordinator Mr. Fortune Mpungu, mobilized immediately to the scene. They utilized excavators and other equipment to retrieve the bodies, ensuring no one was left trapped beneath the rubble. Yet the damage—both emotional and infrastructural—has been done.

Mr. Mpungu’s words, meant to reassure, highlighted an uncomfortable truth. While they were confident only six miners were underground, the very fact that such incidents are happening raises a broader question: why do we continue to operate dangerously in such environments?

Artisanal mining has been both a lifeline and a death sentence for Zimbabwean workers. As they chase the promise of economic freedom, miners face relentless dangers. Despite Zimbabwe’s vast mineral wealth, accidents continue to mar the industry. While large-scale mines often follow regulated safety procedures, the informal artisanal miners are left vulnerable, working in precarious conditions for basic survival.

Artisanal mining remains largely unregulated. The government needs to actively pursue safer mining protocols. If this is to be a viable livelihood, conditions must be improved.

But beyond safety measures, this collapse is a stark reminder that Kwekwe’s broader issue isn’t merely mining—it’s the entire structural integrity of the town itself. The town sits on hollow ground, quite literally. Last year, a classroom collapsed into an underground tunnel at Globe and Phoenix Primary School, injuring students. The issue resurfaced days later, when a nearby house collapsed.

Clearly, this isn’t just about the miners or even just about mining—it’s about the thousands of citizens who unknowingly live on unstable, underground cavities. These areas, excavated years ago, continue to threaten lives in Kwekwe. So why haven’t more significant preventive measures been put in place?

For a town that’s essentially built over a honeycomb of old mine shafts, the dangers are visible and deadly. The collapsing infrastructure is evidence of the risks tied to living on land riddled with unchecked, historic mining activity. The government has a role to play here, beyond the usual firefighting that occurs after such tragedies.

A proactive approach is essential. Inspections should not only focus on current mining sites but also on the land integrity around Kwekwe. While forward-looking mining policies are vital, so is ensuring that old mining operations don’t continue to claim lives long after they’ve been abandoned. A proper, actionable plan must be laid out to mitigate these disasters. It’s not a matter of if, but when, the next collapse will occur if this problem remains unaddressed.

More so, in this case, economic hardship drives artisanal miners to risk everything for minimal gains. However, these miners shouldn’t be forgotten in discussions on mining reform. Improving their safety and offering alternative means of economic stability can help reduce such unnecessary deaths.

The response from the local CPU was swift. However, a comprehensive, national-level response must follow. The question remains whether further investigations will lead to tangible improvements in Zimbabwe’s artisanal mining regulations.

Kwekwe’s underground structure is not just a mining issue—it’s a ticking bomb for every resident living above it. There are structural dangers, public safety risks, and more importantly, avoidable loss of life. Until government action is taken seriously, miners—and the town’s residents—will remain trapped in this dangerous cycle.

The Zim Bulletin