Zimbabwe: Mining union says the industry is operated by ‘criminals and looters’ exploiting workers

‘Mining industry workers exploited-Union’ 7 May 2020

Zimbabwe mine workers celebrated international workers day under uncertainty after Chinese investors have turned out to be looters of natural resources according to workers union. In a statement, Zimbabwe Diamonds Allied Mine Workers Union secretary-general Justice Chinhema said this year celebrations came with a difference after the whole world was completely shut down because of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that has devastated all nations. big and small in equal measure. He said the theme ‘Fulfilling the mineworkers aspirations’ focusing on Safety, Health, Growth and Development (SHEGD) is an unfortunate situation for the sector.

…‘It is sad to note that some mines are not going to open especially those owned by the Chinese involved in chrome mining in the Great Dyke belt. These Chinese were not genuine investors but looters. Artisanal miners never availed basic protective clothing as they do not have the capacity to supply their workers with sanitizers, face masks and other personal hygiene requirements as required by the law. These will rather remain closed than to risk lives of thousands of their families across the country,’ Chinhema decried that mining industry today faces multiple challenges including misrepresentation where former unions are now employers without meaningful representation, but interested in collecting subscriptions.

‘We also face poor working environments as most mines are no longer safe to mine due to lack of investment with dilapidated mining equipment and massive illegal activities that compromise workers’ safety and health at the workplace. Furthermore, mine workers earn slave wages that are against the returns generated by employers,’ he charged. Chinhema lamented that pension have been reduced to due to inflationary pressures eroding value and not stimulating the background that some emerging towns including Zvishavane, Mhangura, Hwange and Redcliff among others are now ghost towns. Chinhema said these mines’ houses are dangerous to occupy because ablutions facilities are no longer usable but bush toilets while obtaining clean and safe water is now a pipe dream. He labelled some mining concessions held by a few for speculative purposes as criminal ventures.