National Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe (NMWUZ) is joining the nation in commemorating 46 years of Independence.
We would however like to highlight the challenges facing workers in the mining sector.
We are concerned that despite the hard work, mining workers are still earning wages well below the Poverty Datum Line (PDL).
Senior management is getting hefty salaries while the ordinary workers who sweat daily are getting peanuts wages.
As NMWUZ we will continue to demand better salaries for all workers who are struggling to make ends meet.We are demanding that the least paid worker in the mining sector gets US$1 200.
We are once again concerned about the safety of mine workers and this remains our priority.
We have noted that some mining companies especially those who are owned by Chinese investors are not adhering to the stipulated national safety standards.
We have noted that in some instances, workers are not being provided with safety clothing and are daily exposed to toxic gases during the course of their work, thereby compromising their health and safety.
Despite our numerous calls and lobbies for a redress, we have noted that little has been done to improve the safety of workers particularly in Chinese mining companies in an independent Zimbabwe.
We will continue to press for improved safety environmental in the mining sector.
As we celebrate our independence,we are also dismayed that some communities are being exposed to toxic environment by some mining companies, particularly the Chinese investors.
This is a major public health and environmental issue in Zimbabwe, especially in gold, chrome, and coal mining areas.
As we celebrate our hard won independence, we call upon authorities to redress this pertainent issue which put the health of communities at stake.
We are also calling some mining companies to provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as stipulated by SI 109 (1990) on Mining Management and Safety Regulations.The Labour Act (Chapter 28:01) says employers must ensure safe work place which includes protective clothing equipment, such as helmets, safety boots, overalls, gloves, respirators.
We will continue to lobby using all channels possible to ensure that companies including the small scale mining sector adhere to national standards on safety.
It’s quite sad that 46 years after our Independence workers are still getting slave wages and their rights are being trampled willy nilly mostly by Chinese investors who blatantly disregard our local labour and environmental laws.
We however applaud efforts by government (as a result of our lobbying) to redress the issue and take corrective measures.
We also call on government to support small scale mining sector which is mostly currently run by the youths through:
– Streamlining licensing processes: Simplify and speed up the process of obtaining mining licenses and claims
– Providing access to finance: Offer loans, grants, or guarantees to help small-scale miners invest in equipment and operations
– Training and capacity building: Provide training and technical assistance on best practices, safety, and environmental management
– Market access: Help small-scale miners access markets and get fair prices for their produce.
– Infrastructure development: Invest in roads, energy, and other infrastructure that benefits small-scale mining areas and communities.
As NMWUZ we are calling for the opening up of refineries in local mining areas as this has several advantages to the country.
Putting refineries near the mines instead of exporting raw ore/concentrate has big upsides for Zimbabwe.
Forex retention
Zimbabwe loses ~$1.2B/year to smuggling/leakage. Local refineries + Fidelity’s gold buying centres mean more USD stays in RBZ.
Jobs creation
Each small refinery = 50-200 direct jobs: assayers, smelters, security, lab techs. Plus downstream: jewellery, minting.
Tax revenue
Easier to monitor & tax refined bars than dust/concentrate. ZIMRA gets royalties + VAT on local sales.
Benefits Small Scale miners
60%+ of Zim’s gold comes from artisanal miners. Local refineries cut out middlemen who underpay and use mercury
Reduces smuggling
If a miner can walk 10km to a Fidelity centre and get fair price same day, less incentive to smuggle to Mozambique/SA.
Decentralisation
Reduces pressure on Harare. Gold from Gwanda refined in Gwanda, chrome from Mutorashanga refined there.
Gold reserves
RBZ can buy refined gold directly for reserves. Harder to stockpile dust. Supports ZIG currency backing.
Mineral sovereignty
Zim controls product to London Bullion Market standard. Less dependence on Rand Refinery/SA.
Curbs looting
Big mining houses can’t under-declare grade as easily if final assay done locally.
Finally we are calling on government to come up with a Statutory Instrument which ensures a complete ban on all raw minerals exports.The country is losing billions on money yearly as some companies and individuals are currently exporting raw metals outside the country.
Kurebwa Javangwe Nhomboka
NMWUZ President