Three artisanal miners died on Monday after a mining shaft collapsed at a site in Mutare, a city in eastern Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. at Plot 55 Premier Central.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) identified the deceased as Washington Nyamuchengwa, 27, Gladmore Nyanga, 23, and Edwin Nyamuchengwa, 25. According to authorities, the men were working underground when the shaft, reported to be approximately 20 meters deep, caved in.
Fellow miners at the location reportedly initiated recovery efforts following the collapse. The bodies of the three men were later retrieved from the shaft. The ZRP confirmed the bodies were transported to a local hospital for post-mortem examinations.
The incident occurred in an area known for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), a sector that constitutes a significant part of Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly in gold production. Figures from Zimbabwe’s central bank show that ASM accounts for a majority of the country’s official gold deliveries.
Mining organizations and government bodies have previously noted safety challenges within the sector. Common issues cited include the structural integrity of hand-dug shafts, a lack of standardized safety equipment, and the risk of collapse during heavy rains. The government has programs aimed at formalizing the sector to improve safety regulations and provide training for miners.
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is the government entity responsible for overseeing mining activities in the country. Police officials stated that an investigation into the circumstances of the collapse is underway.
