By Rex Mphisa
THE Zimbabwe Mining Safety Health Environmental Council (Zimshec) has warned miners to be wary of climate change whose presence affects operations.
Zimshec spokesman Philemon Mokuele said this in reaction to a disaster where seven artisanal miners remain trapped underground in Silobela since Tuesday after a mine shaft collapse.
The accident occured during heavy rains.
“We hope they are rescued alive, we hear rescue teams are battling rising floodwaters resulting from torrential rains that swept across the mining area,” said Mokuele.
“We are concerned and advise all miners to cautiously operate under rainy conditions. You will realise these rains have of late been violent due to effects of climate change miners should observe. Climate change is real and its effects can frustrate miners.”
Mokuele said miners must create water diversions to avoid flooding in the mines.
“They must also take measures to divert free-flowing water from mine workings to prevent flooding as well as perform thorough risk assessment before excavation to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
Mokuele said climate-change induced rains caused more frequent and intense storms and floods that can directly threaten mining operations by damaging infrastructure, causing landslides, and increasing the risk of fatalities.
It could also affect water supply needed in the mining sector as climate change causes more severe droughts and water scarcity.
The seven Silobela miners were reportedly working inside the shaft when the ground gave way, following a downpour that flooded the tunnels and caused the structure to collapse.
The incident occurred in the Midlands Province, leaving the men buried beneath unstable debris and waterlogged passages.