2026 a worrying year for mine safety as fatalities continue to rise

The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has raised alarm over the rising number of mining fatalities recorded in 2026, describing the year as one of the most troubling periods for mine workers in recent memory.

ZDAMWU general secretary Justice Chinhema said the deaths of two workers at Old Nick Mine near Bulawayo after an underground accident highlight a deepening crisis in the mining sector. He warned that the continued loss of life risks normalising preventable tragedies if urgent corrective measures are not taken.

Chinhema said the Old Nick Mine incident reflects a broader pattern across the industry.

"Every few weeks, the nation is confronted with news of another miner losing their life. These incidents are occurring across small‑scale, large‑scale and artisanal mining operations, with artisanal miners being the hardest hit," he said. "These can no longer be treated as isolated accidents because they point to serious shortcomings in safety compliance, supervision and enforcement."

He said the deaths of the two breadwinners at Old Nick Mine should serve as a wake‑up call to regulators, mine owners and government institutions responsible for worker protection.

"As ZDAMWU, we are alarmed by the sustained loss of life in the mining sector this year. The industry cannot continue recording fatalities while stakeholders merely issue statements of regret after every incident," he said. "Workers need action, not condolences. Families need assurance that their loved ones will return home safely after every shift, not burial assistance."

Chinhema urged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, particularly the Inspectorate Department, together with mine owners and contractors, to strengthen safety enforcement and accountability mechanisms.

"The first responsibility lies with the regulators. The department must intensify inspections, conduct rigorous audits and ensure that safety breaches attract meaningful sanctions. Employers who fail to maintain safe working environments must be held accountable because safety cannot be left to chance," he said.

The union also called on mining companies of all sizes to increase investment in occupational health and safety training, equipment maintenance, hazard identification systems and worker engagement programmes.

"The mining industry is enjoying increased investment and ambitious production targets, but there can be no justification for sacrificing worker safety in pursuit of output. Human life is priceless, and one fatality is one too many," Chinhema said.

He further urged owners of unused mining claims currently being worked by artisanal miners to establish structured partnerships and invest in safe mining training to reduce accidents and save lives.

ZDAMWU warned that continued fatalities could undermine Zimbabwe's efforts to position itself as a globally competitive mining destination.

"A modern mining industry cannot be built on recurring fatalities. Investors, workers and communities alike expect world‑class safety standards. The measure of success in mining is not only tonnes produced but lives protected," he said.

Chinhema conveyed condolences to the families of the two workers who died at Old Nick Mine, operated by Retinue Stars Investments.

"While we await a full and transparent investigation, we continue demanding greater accountability from both regulators and employers until mine workers are guaranteed safer working conditions," he said. "We refuse to accept mine fatalities as an inevitable part of mining. Every death is a failure of the system somewhere, and stakeholders must be prepared to answer difficult questions when lives are lost."

The union also condemned alleged attempts to conceal details surrounding the Old Nick Mine fatalities, saying transparency and accountability were essential in preventing future tragedies.