Rescue Efforts for Zimbabwe Miners Halted

Written by Jose Miguel Lopez | October 22, 2023

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On September 30th, the Bay Horse Gold Mine in Zimbabwe collapsed, trapping approximately 42 miners underground. Rescue efforts took place three days after the collapse, successfully rescuing 22 individuals alive and retrieving nine bodies. During the following days, it was believed that 10 individuals were still trapped alive, which kept the rescue mission ongoing. However, on October 17, Zimbabwe authorities halted the rescue mission citing safety concerns for the rescue crews. This development has angered the family members of those still missing, as they want to be reunited with their loved ones.

This unfortunate incident shines a light on the illegal mining operations that take place all over Zimbabwe, due to the lack of employment opportunities. This shows the conditions individuals have to endure to survive economically.  Reports indicate the trapped miners had been entering through undesignated entry points, making this an illegal operation with no safety regulations. The Bay Horse Gold Mine had stopped being operational for some time and, according to some miners, its safety pillars were removed to look for gold in those areas.

According to Farai Maguwu, Director of the Harare-based Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), the Zimbabwe mining industry is filled with corruption and minimal government regulation. Zimbabwe recorded in the first quarter of 2023, $376.7 million in gold exports, but Maguwu believes this figure does not account for illegal exports. He also states that corruption involves high ranking government officials benefitting from the lack of regulation in the industry. For now, the rescue operations have raised concerns over Zimbabwe’s rescue methods as rescue crews were composed of artisanal miners who don’t have the proper training or coordination to respond accordingly. Moreover, rescuers have complained they didn’t receive the proper equipment and support for the rescue operation. This is truly a sad situation for all the families involved and for those who are still trapped underground. Hopefully, something can change in the upcoming days, before it’s too late.