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Sikhulekelani Moyo and Nokuthaba Ncube, Business Writers

BULAWAYO Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, has applauded the Young Miners Foundation (YMF) and its partners for running occupational health and safety training workshops in the region.

Increased awareness on health and safety in the workplace is critical, especially in the mining industry, which is one of the leading economic pillars.

In remarks during the handover of certificates for players in the sector who completed a three-day training in occupational health and safety in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Minister Ncube said the initiative has come at the right time given the growing concerns over workplace-related accidents, especially involving small scale mining operations.

She said such workshops were important in raising public awareness and assisting the sector to prevent accidents.

“I commend the International Health and Nursing Academy (IHNA) and YMF for their foresight in addressing these critical issues,” said Minister Ncube.

“Your commitment to equipping miners with knowledge on mining safety, regulations, blasting licenses, and hazard management is commendable.

“The mining industry plays a vital role in our country’s economic growth and it’s imperative that we prioritise the safety, health and well-being of our miners and communities.”

YMF in partnership with Lenrage Occupational, Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) consultancy and IHNA conducted the three-day occupational health and safety training worshop targeting small-scale miners.

The  workshop which was held in Bulawayo, was attended by about 50 participants from different mining districts in Matabeleland region.

Minister Ncube also urged all stakeholders to embrace the principle of occupational safety, health and environmental management saying that due to poor mining activities, Bulawayo’s water situation was progressively being compromised, thus threatening the ecosystem and human health.

“Water quality is crucial to human health and the environment and as such it needs to be monitored and managed properly,” she said.

“By equipping our stakeholders with knowledge and skills in occupational safety, health and environmental management, we are indeed building a solid foundation for responsible mining practices.”

Meanwhile, among those who got the certificates was a 77-year-old Bubi District mine owner, Mr Michael Nyathi, who expressed excitement over the knowledge gained which he said will use to train his workers.

“We have been mining with little knowledge on occupational health and safety hence the many accidents.We now know how to store dangerous chemicals and explosives that we use in our operations,” he said.