Six Illegal Miners Killed in Tragic Hoist Accident at Mazowe Mine
Six illegal miners died and four others were severely injured in a tragic incident at Mazowe Mine.
The miners were being hauled to the surface in a hoist when it suddenly failed, sending them plunging 45 meters down a disused shaft, ZimLive has revealed.
According to mine officials, the group had entered the abandoned shaft at around 7PM on July 17.
The accident occurred around 10AM the following day as the miners attempted to return to the surface with gold ore.
The shaft, part of an area no longer in use, has become a hotspot for illegal mining and associated criminal activity.
The deceased have been identified as:
Four other miners survived but with grave injuries.
A spokesperson for Mazowe Mine confirmed that the injured suffered “broken bones, deep cuts, and bruises.” All are receiving treatment, but their conditions remain critical.
Mazowe Mine was previously owned by Metallon Gold. It is now under the control of Namib Minerals and has remained dormant since 2018.
Despite a court order halting illegal mining, and a government directive issued in April following another deadly hoist failure that claimed three lives, the disused sections of the mine remain a magnet for illegal miners.
The mine expressed concern over what it sees as inadequate police enforcement, warning that the failure to act will result in more deaths. Just in the past week, three murders were reported at the site.
Namib Minerals, now in control of Mazowe Mine, announced plans to inject $300 million into reviving operations across Mazowe, Redwing, and Jumbo mines.
The investment follows a signed agreement with Metallon Gold. While the mine’s revival could restore order and provide legal employment, current conditions remain deadly for those engaging in unlawful mining.
