Mines shouldn’t increase production at expense of human life – Musukwa

Mines Minister Richard Musukwa says mining companies should not increase production at the expense of human life. He said it was important for mining companies to employ mining methods and technologies that guaranteed sustainability… “Our desire is to have a growing mining industry, using technology that generates benefits with zero negative impacts on communities. Therefore, mining companies should employ mining methods and technologies that guarantee sustainability. The increase in mineral production should not be at the expense of human life,” Musukwa said.

“Government has in the recent past expressed serious concern over the high incidences of mine and industrial accidents that have continued to occur, and has called for necessary measures to curb the trend. Therefore government calls for more concerted efforts by all players in the industry to improve our occupational safety and health systems…Regrettably, environmental and occupational safety issues have continued to emerge, and to some extent still dominate debate nationally and globally. Environmental activities that were undertaken in the past have continued to be of concern.”

“The effects of climate change have manifested themselves rather dramatically in our country and region. It is therefore imperative that mine operators minimise the impact of their operations on the environment. Therefore, [this] provides us all within the industry an opportunity to exercise leadership in discussing and coming up with innovative ideas to minimise the impact of our operations on the health and safety of our employees, our communities in which we operate and the environment,” said Mateyo.