Prioritise mining workers’ welfare: Minister

Source: The Chronicle – Breaking news

 

Minister Winston Chitando

Prosper Ndlovu in Victoria Falls 

THE mining sector has been drawing significant investment in recent years, contributing to national development and job creation. 

Among the major mining investments in the sector is the US$1,5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Plant in the Manhize near Mvuma. 

In April, President Mnangagwa commissioned Pickstone Peerless Underground Shaft Project in Chegutu, Mashonaland West. 

Others include the Kamativi Mining Company Lithium Processing Plant in Kamativi, Matabeleland North, which was commissioned on April 12. 

The new coal mining project in Binga, Blanket Mine Central Shaft project, Zulu, and Gwanda Lithium, among others and several gold and chrome mining projects have added impetus to the sector’s growth.

However, the Government has emphasised the need to prioritise the welfare of workers and communities in line with Vision 2030. 

While some companies have neglected workers’ welfare, Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando, stressed the importance of promoting inclusivity and upholding occupational health and safety                                                          standards. 

“We must never lose sight of the human dimension of mining. The well-being and safety of our workers must always be our top priority,” Minister Chitando said in his keynote address at the official opening of the 2024 Annual Mining Conference in Victoria Falls on Thursday.

“We must strive to create a workplace culture that values diversity, promotes inclusivity, and upholds the highest standards of occupational health and safety.”

He noted, in particular, the failure of some mining firms to facilitate the establishment of workers’ unions and committees that look at the welfare of employees, including poor adherence to standard safety procedures, which must be strongly enforced.

He also noted the need to adopt a multi-faceted approach to restore the viability of mining operations, including infrastructure improvements and fiscal incentives for investment. 

The minister said the turbulent times facing the sector were a test of the resilience of mining operations worldwide, and Zimbabwe is no exception.

“Such adversity should breed innovation to ensure that the mining sector maintains its role as the cornerstone of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment and infrastructure development,” he added.

The Government is promoting responsible resource management through environmentally sound mining practices and ensuring that mining benefits are equitably shared among stakeholders, including local communities. Embracing technology and innovation can improve efficiency and reduce costs in the industry while creating a more resilient and competitive mining industry, he said.

“Government is creating an enabling environment that promotes investment, innovation, and transparency. This includes streamlining regulatory processes, addressing infrastructure deficiencies, and providing fiscal incentives to attract both domestic and foreign investment.

“The Government continues to undertake extensive infrastructure initiatives such as rehabilitating roads, upgrading airports, enhancing power generation — particularly through the expansion of the Hwange power station — and constructing dams. 

“These efforts are aimed at establishing essential foundations for the development of our economic sectors, including mining.

“The mining industry must harness the power of technology and innovation to optimise mining operations and enhance productivity.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution presents unprecedented opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate risks in the mining sector. By embracing digitalisation, automation, and renewable energy solutions, we can create a more resilient and competitive mining industry.”