Zimbabwe mine inspectors given full backing to shut unsafe mines

Minister of Mines and Mining Development Dr Polite Kambamura has pledged unwavering government support for mine inspectors, declaring that closure or suspension orders issued against unsafe mining operations will no longer be overturned through political influence or corporate pressure.

Speaking at the national Inspectors of Mines Workshop, Dr Kambamura assured inspectors that decisions made in the interest of safety and compliance would be respected until concerns raised by regulators had been fully addressed.

"If an inspector closes a mine, it should be so. No one should overturn that order until the inspector is satisfied," he said.

The Minister said the assurance carried the backing of the country's highest leadership.

"If I support you, it means the President supports you as well," he told delegates.

The remarks are expected to strengthen the authority of mine inspectors, who have often faced challenges enforcing safety regulations amid allegations that some operators use political connections or other forms of influence to avoid sanctions.

Dr Kambamura described inspectors as the "eyes of the Government" in the mining sector and warned that any compromise of their duties through intimidation, corruption or external interference could have serious consequences.

"You are the eyes of the Government," he said. "When that vision is blurred because of intimidation or bribery, lives are lost."

He urged inspectors to fully utilise the powers granted to them under the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05] to tackle illegal and unsafe mining practices.

"You now have teeth to bite," said Dr Kambamura. "Mine managers must be accountable. When you find chaos – riverbed mining, undermining infrastructure, operating without title – exercise the full statutory authority of the Mines and Minerals Act."

The Minister's comments come amid ongoing concerns over mine safety, environmental degradation and illegal mining activities in several parts of the country.

In a further move aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight, Dr Kambamura announced that the Ministry is establishing confidential whistleblowing mechanisms to protect inspectors who expose wrongdoing or face retaliation for carrying out their duties.

The channels will allow inspectors to report attempts at political interference, intimidation or corruption without fear of victimisation.

"We will protect you," the Minister said. "But you must act."

Industry observers say the measures could enhance accountability in the mining sector by empowering inspectors to enforce regulations without fear of repercussions, while helping to improve safety standards and environmental compliance.

Zimbabwe's mining sector remains one of the country's key economic pillars, making effective regulation and enforcement critical to ensuring sustainable growth, worker safety and responsible resource exploitation.