Mine rescue teams from across Zimbabwe gathered in Hwange last Friday for the 2026 Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe National Mine Rescue Competitions, where they demonstrated their preparedness and ability to respond to emergencies in the mining sector.
Hosted by Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) at Hwange 3 Main North on 30 October, the competitions brought together 13 mine rescue teams representing 11 mining operations.
The event was organised by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe in partnership with HCCL and attracted teams from various mining companies, including HCCL, Blanket Mine, Mimosa Mine, How Mine and Zimplates Ngezi, among others.
Running under the theme, “Kamandama Drives Our Commitment. Prepared, Equipped, Ready to Save Lives,” the competitions placed emphasis on the need for mining companies to prioritise worker safety and strengthen their emergency response capabilities.
The theme also carried historical significance, drawing attention to the Kamandama Mine disaster of 6 June 1972, which claimed 427 lives and remains one of the darkest chapters in Zimbabwe’s mining history.
In remembrance of the victims, participants visited the Kamandama Memorial Site, where they paid tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the disaster.
HCCL Chief Executive Officer, Mr William Gambiza, who was represented at the event by Engineer Mutiti, said the growth of the mining industry should go hand in hand with the protection of workers.
“As Zimbabwe’s mining industry grows, protecting its people must be part of every plan for growth, not an afterthought,” he said.
The competitions provided an opportunity for mine rescue teams to test their technical abilities, coordination and readiness to handle emergencies that may arise during mining operations.
At the conclusion of the contests, Zimplates Ngezi emerged champions in the donning division, while Blanket Mine claimed the top position in the non-donning division.
