Penhalonga Youth Development Trust

In a stunning turn of events, the miners who were perilously trapped underground for an agonizing four days have managed to find their own way out of the treacherous confines of the mine. Their incredible feat of survival comes at a critical time, as it exposes the grave safety hazards that persist within the Redwing Mine.

As the rescue team was nearing a point of desperation and considering the heartbreaking possibility of giving up, the miners took destiny into their own hands. Their resourcefulness, determination, and unwavering will to survive guided them through the darkness .Their miraculous escape serves as a stark reminder that the safety of those working in the mining industry should always remain a top priority.

It is unfortunate, yet crucial, to acknowledge that the Redwing Mine, with its aging infrastructure and hazardous conditions, poses an imminent danger to those who work within its depths. These old mining shafts, manned by young and inexperienced workers, place the lives of those involved at grave risk. This incident unequivocally highlights the urgent need for attention and immediate action to prevent any further loss of life in similar circumstances.

We implore the government to reconsider its stance on the Redwing Mine contract and take swift action to terminate it. The safety and well-being of the youths who labor tirelessly within these walls should never be compromised. Instead, we call upon the government to seek out responsible and reputable investors who prioritize the safety of their workers above all else.

Now more than ever, it is crucial that the government takes a proactive role in ensuring the safety of all miners. Enhanced safety protocols, regular inspections, and stricter regulations must be implemented to prevent future incidents and protect the lives of those who contribute so valiantly to our nation's prosperity.

Let this miraculous escape serve as a wake-up call, a call to action, and a plea for a safer tomorrow. Together, let us stand united in demanding a safer, more secure mining industry for the sake of the brave individuals who risk their lives every day in pursuit of a better

*Shutdown Redwing Mine, govt urged*

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RESIDENTS and Civic Society Groups (CSOs) in Manicaland province have recommended the immediate closure of Redwing Mine in Penhalonga following continuous deaths due to accidents.

The calls come after 11 miners were trapped underground after a shaft collapsed on Thursday morning.

Concerned CSOs said that they were alarmed by the rise in the cases of artisanal miners losing lives in the dangerous mining shafts at Redwing Mine.

Redwing Mine is owned by Pedzisai “Scott” Sakupwanya, who is also Mabvuku Member of Parliament.

The CSOs, residents and human rights groups have challenged the government to effect accountability measures to avoid more deaths.

Director of Centre for Research and Development James Mupfumi said: “There is need to immediately terminate corrupt, lawless and deadly open pit mining at Redwing Mine. Government must institute an inquiry into Better Brands Mine activities that have resulted in asset stripping at Redwing Mine and the loss of lives of this magnitude,” he said.

“Government must also suspend immediately the entire Ministry of Mines inspectorate for allowing unsafe mining operations to continue at Redwing Mine. The mine must be given an opportunity to look for mining investors with capacity to resuscitate underground mining operations. Government must play it’s regulatory role in the economy and stop political interference in mining activities, compromising its functions.”

Farai Maguwu, a human rights activist said: “Government must engage a real investor or bring back Metallon Gold. These fly by night miners operate at a great cost to the lives of artisanal miners. We need formal mining in Penhalonga.”

Director of Penhalonga Youth Development Trust Clinton Masanga said the current mining practices at Redwing Mine are not sustainable and pose significant risks to the lives of workers and the local community.

“We strongly believe that the government should terminate the contracts associated with this mining operation. Instead of continuing with the current dangerous mining method, we urge the government to focus on underground mining, which has proven to be a safer and more accountable practice in many cases. By transitioning to underground mining, we can prioritise the safety of workers and the well-being of the community while also fostering long-term development,” said Masanga.

Justice Chinhema, the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union secretary general weighed in saying operations at the mine must be stopped immediately.

“There is need to investigate the atrocities that have been happening there, and we believe it was criminality taking place, so as to arrest all criminals and cartels who have been benefiting through those illegal activities,” he said.

As of yesterday, rescue efforts by Redwing Mine team and inspectors from the Manicaland Provincial Mining Offices were still facing challenges because the ground is still dangerously unstable to commence the rescue process. NewsDay

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