Blanket Mine Fatality Sparks Safety Debate

A fatal accident at Caledonia’s Blanket Mine sparks fresh concerns over mining safety in Zimbabwe (image source)

A fatal accident at Caledonia Mining Corporation’s Blanket Mine in Gwanda on September 22 has reignited concerns over safety standards in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. The incident, which occurred during secondary blasting operations, claimed the life of one employee, according to a company statement released the following day. The tragedy marks the third fatality at Blanket Mine since 2022, despite Caledonia’s public commitment to a “zero-harm” safety culture. The company, listed on the NYSE American, AIM, and Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, said its immediate priority is to support affected families and conduct a full investigation in cooperation with local authorities.

“It is with regret that Caledonia reports this accident,” the company stated. “Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of the deceased.”

The mine, located in Matabeleland South, is Caledonia’s flagship gold operation and a key contributor to Zimbabwe’s mineral exports. In recent years, the company has invested heavily in safety protocols, including mandatory health checks, first-aid training, and a “Stop, Look, Assess, Manage” policy. However, the recurrence of fatal incidents raises questions about the effectiveness of these measures in high-risk underground environments.

According to Mining Zimbabwe, the latest accident underscores the tension between production targets and worker safety. Blanket Mine has been central to Caledonia’s expansion strategy, with the company reporting record gold output in 2024. Yet, experts warn that deep-level mining remains inherently dangerous, even with modern safety systems.

“Mining is a high-stakes industry,” said Tendai Moyo, a Harare-based mining consultant. “You can have the best protocols on paper, but implementation and oversight are what truly matter.”

The Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines has called for a sector-wide review of safety standards, citing the need for stronger enforcement and transparency. “We must move beyond reactive investigations,” said Chamber spokesperson Rudo Chikafu. “There needs to be proactive auditing and real-time monitoring of underground operations.”

Historically, Zimbabwe’s mining sector has been both a lifeline and a liability. While it contributes over 60% of export earnings, it has also faced criticism for poor working conditions and environmental degradation. Blanket Mine, in particular, has been praised for its investment in local infrastructure and employment, but incidents like this threaten its reputation.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has yet to release findings from previous investigations into fatalities at Blanket Mine in 2022 and 2024. Civil society groups are now urging the government to publish safety audit results and enforce stricter penalties for non-compliance.

As the investigation into the September 22 accident unfolds, stakeholders await clarity on what went wrong—and whether systemic changes will follow. For Caledonia, the challenge lies in balancing growth with genuine safety reform.