Mine Workers Demand US$650 Minimum Wage as Safety Concerns Mount in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has renewed calls for a minimum wage of US$650 for mine workers, alongside stricter safety standards, as pressure mounts on mining companies to improve conditions in one of Zimbabwe’s most hazardous industries.

Speaking during Workers' Day commemorations held in Hwange, ZDAMWU General Secretary Justice Chinhema said the union remains committed to advocating for better wages, safer workplaces, and stronger worker representation. Commemorations this year ran under the theme “Empowering Workers – Empowering Voices”, highlighting the role of labour in driving economic growth.

“We reiterate our call in the industry for a minimum wage of US$650, reflecting the dangerous nature of mining work and the value of the minerals workers extract,” Chinhema said.

Zimbabwe’s mining sector is a key contributor to export earnings, driven by commodities such as gold, platinum, and diamonds. However, labour unions argue that workers remain underpaid relative to the risks they face underground.

Chinhema acknowledged progress made through the recently gazetted Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), enacted under Statutory Instrument 71 of 2026, which replaces an outdated 1990 framework. The agreement introduces improved provisions on wages, dispute resolution, and worker protections.

“While the new CBA is a step forward, more must be done to ensure fair remuneration and safe working conditions across the sector,” he said.

The union also raised alarm over persistent workplace accidents and occupational diseases, including Silicosis and Tuberculosis, which remain prevalent in mining communities.

“Safety in our mines is not negotiable. Every worker deserves to return home alive and unharmed,” Chinhema said.

Labour experts say Zimbabwe’s mining industry continues to grapple with enforcement gaps despite existing safety regulations.

“Regulatory frameworks are in place, but compliance remains inconsistent, particularly among smaller operators,” said a Harare-based occupational safety specialist. “Stronger inspections and penalties are needed to drive change.”

ZDAMWU has urged mining companies to prioritise occupational health through the provision of protective equipment, regular safety inspections, improved training programmes, and routine medical monitoring for workers exposed to hazardous conditions. Chinhema emphasised that trade unions should be viewed as partners rather than adversaries in building a sustainable mining sector.

“We are ready to work with employers to ensure productivity and growth, but this must not come at the expense of workers’ welfare,” he said.

He also encouraged mine workers across the country to join the union, noting that increased membership strengthens collective bargaining power and ensures workers’ voices are heard in negotiations.

This year’s commemorations, hosted in Hwange for the first time, also marked a new partnership between ZDAMWU and Lyeja FM, aimed at improving access to information on labour rights, safety standards, and industry developments.

“ZDAMWU is here, and ZDAMWU is delivering. We will continue to stand with workers until every mine worker lives and works in dignity,” Chinhema said.

The renewed push for higher wages and safer working conditions comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s mining sector is expanding, raising expectations that the benefits of growth should translate into improved livelihoods for workers on the ground.

Zimbabwe mine workers minimum wage