Zimbabwean City’s Collapse Threatened by Gold Search | Mining News

Kwekwe, Zimbabwe is facing a crisis as illegal mining activities threaten the safety of residents in the Globe and Phoenix community. Dorothy Moyo, a resident, fears for her safety every day as the ground beneath her feet becomes increasingly unstable due to illegal small-scale mining.

After a terrifying incident where a classroom at the Globe and Phoenix Primary School collapsed, injuring several children, it became evident that the entire area was in danger. With the school permanently shut down, children have been relocated, and the community remains on edge.

The lure of gold has attracted thousands of small-scale miners to Kwekwe over the years, leading to a network of illegal tunnels that now pose a significant risk to the city’s infrastructure. Despite warnings and calls for action, illegal mining activities persist, putting lives at risk.

The government’s efforts to revitalize the mining sector for economic growth must be balanced with environmental and community safety concerns. It is crucial to regulate artisanal mining activities to prevent further disasters like the one in Kwekwe.

Residents like Dorothy Moyo live in constant fear, knowing that the ground they walk on may give way at any moment. It’s a precarious situation that underscores the urgent need for intervention before more lives are lost.