Concern is mounting in Zimbabwe as authorities race to reach fifteen miners trapped after a mine collapse in Manicaland Province earlier this Thursday. Local police confirmed to EFE that rescuers are mobilizing in response to the incident at the eastern site. The distressed community watches closely as teams coordinate air, ground, and entry operations, aiming to stabilize conditions for those still inside and to rapidly transport the injured to medical care as the situation evolves on site.
Spokesperson and deputy commissioner Paul Nyathi described a rapid scene assessment and said emergency teams were working with Civil Protection to extract the trapped workers. He noted that the authorities had launched a full investigation to determine how the collapse occurred and what safety measures may have been overlooked, with the goal of rescuing everyone affected as quickly as possible, according to statements to EFE. In parallel, engineers and mine safety officers are reviewing ventilation, structural integrity, and escape routes, while responders prioritize triage, securing the perimeter, and coordinating with nearby clinics to handle potential surge cases.
Activists from the Natural Resources Governance Center (CNRG), led by Farai Maguwu, added their perspective, stressing that the mine has a history of safety concerns. The group emphasizes human rights protections and responsible mineral management in Zimbabwe and has been vocal about mining conditions in recent years. They call for independent monitoring of the rescue operation, full disclosure of the incident timeline, and robust safeguards to prevent future tragedies, arguing that communities deserve transparent reporting and accountable governance in extractive industries.
Initial reports from advocacy groups indicate that twenty miners were initially believed to be underground. Five of them were rescued, while one person sustained a serious head injury. Rescue teams continued to work through the mine’s access points, prioritizing medical triage and stabilizing the injured as they awaited transport to medical facilities, the activist network said in interviews with EFE. As operations progress, teams are adapting strategies based on real-time information from miners and witnesses, while environmental health officers monitor air quality, potential toxin exposure, and structural stability to reduce secondary risks.
Maguwu urged openness from those operating the mine, calling for greater cooperation with rescue personnel and authorities. He underscored the urgency of accurate information and safe procedures as the operation unfolds, noting that community members and families depend on a swift, transparent response. Local families describe a climate of anxiety, interrupted livelihoods, and rising demand for reliable updates about conditions inside the shaft, as rescue workers navigate tight spaces and monitor for potential collapses.
The Redwing mine, which has drawn attention in recent years for a series of shaft collapses, has faced increased scrutiny over safety standards and environmental practices. In January 2023, environmental management concerns were raised in relation to the site, reflecting ongoing debates about how to balance extraction with responsible stewardship of the surrounding ecosystem. Critics argue for stronger regulatory oversight, independent audits, and better reclamation plans to address past lapses and prevent repeat incidents that jeopardize nearby water supplies and biodiversity.
Despite past incidents, illegal mining activity reportedly persisted around the site. Last year, reported fatalities from landslides linked to mining activities reached a troubling total, highlighting persistent risks faced by workers who operate outside formal safety frameworks. Local authorities say the government is stepping up enforcement in informal mining zones, but communities continue to face hazards from unstable shafts, unregulated operations, and the lure of immediate cash in the absence of formal mining opportunities.
Within Zimbabwe’s political and economic landscape, the mine has drawn attention due to its connections to local politics. A member of parliament from the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), Pedzisayi Scott Sakupwanya, was mentioned in a journalistic investigation by Al Jazeera last year in relation to alleged illegal gold smuggling. The implications of these associations continue to fuel public debate about governance, resource control, and accountability within the mining sector. Industry observers emphasize the need for transparent licensing, independent oversight, and a clear separation between political influence and mining operations to safeguard worker safety and community welfare.
Accidents of this kind have long affected Zimbabwe, a country endowed with rich deposits of gold, platinum, and diamonds. The challenges are compounded as many aspiring miners seek to extract resources without proper equipment or formal training, increasing the danger to workers and the surrounding communities. Local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and industry observers alike stress the need for improved safety standards, robust enforcement, and community-focused response mechanisms to prevent future tragedies while supporting legitimate livelihoods in mining corridors. The ongoing event underscores the broader imperative of sustainable mining frameworks, worker protections, and proactive emergency response planning across Zimbabwe’s mineral-rich regions.