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HWANGE, Zimbabwe — As Zimbabwe’s mining sector expands, worker safety has taken centre stage. At the 2026 Mine Rescue National Competition, hosted by Hwange Colliery Company, the Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe (MRAZ) delivered a sobering look at emergency readiness across the industry. Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Kelvin Sungiso
Under the theme “Kamandama Lives in Our Commitment – Prepared, Equipped and Ready to Save Lives,” the event served as a stern reminder that safety protocols must not be an afterthought. The shadow of the historic Kamandama Mine Disaster continues to influence modern rescue operations. In a powerful keynote address, MRAZ President Engineer Shepherd Manamike highlighted the heavy responsibilities borne by mining leadership long before disaster strikes.
“In a mine emergency, lives depend on decisions made long before the alarm. That is the responsibility before us at the 2026 Mine Rescue National Competition,” Engineer Manamike stated. “Its legacy challenges us to ask a direct question: If an emergency struck today, would our people, equipment and leadership be ready?”
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The past year marked significant technological progress, driven by the rollout of the new Pro Air mine rescue set to replace legacy breathing apparatuses. However, leadership noted that the rollout’s ultimate value “depends on equipment-specific training, competent users and dependable maintenance.” , he said
This transition brings a ticking clock. Engineer Manamike issued a clear directive regarding finite infrastructure timelines, warning that the “expected end of BG4 support within three years must be confirmed with the manufacturer and authorised service providers.” Mines must accelerate procurement and training immediately to prevent regional rescue gaps.
Corporate sponsors such as Mimosa Mining Company, Caledonia and Mutapa have provided vital funding and infrastructure support, while Redwing Mine was commended as the most active in emergency call-outs.
Yet, structural weaknesses remain. Despite industry growth, the number of active rescue teams is declining, a situation worsened by the recent withdrawal of a South Zone member mine. The President firmly challenged the corporate mindset that views safety as a seasonal checklist item.
“Rescue readiness cannot wait for an incident or depend on an annual event. It requires sustained investment and clear accountability.”, he said
Executives must establish dedicated rescue budgets covering training, servicing and transport under accountable management.
“This competition will end. Our duty to protect life will not,” Engineer Manamike concluded. “Let the discipline we have shown here become the standard we uphold every day.”, he said.