Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-The Mine Ventilation Society of Zimbabwe (MVSZ) has urged mining companies to integrate ventilation practitioners into the early stages of planning and decision-making in order to save lives, boost productivity, and assist the industry meet modern safety and environmental standards.
Speaking on the sidelines of the MVSZ Annual General Meeting and Symposium held in the second largest city, the society president Tonderai Chikande said ventilation should not be treated as an afterthought but as the backbone of every mining operation.
“The whole essence of ventilation is to manage occupational hygiene stressors. It removes heat, dust, and pollutants from underground environments. When you optimise your ventilation system, you don’t just make mining safer, you also enhance productivity and reduce your carbon footprint,” he said.
He noted that while other countries ensure ventilation experts sit on mine design and safety boards, in Zimbabwe they are often only consulted after designs are completed, a practice which he said needs to changed.
“As mines in Zimbabwe go deeper and adopt more mechanised systems, complex ventilation challenges are emerging. Rising fire loads, diesel emissions, and geological changes are increasing the risks underground. Our current ventilation regulations were written long before issues like diesel particulate matter became a concern. We need to modernise the regulatory framework so that it addresses today’s realities and future risks,” he said.
The symposium also featured university students presenting innovative research and technologies aimed at optimising mine ventilation systems, underscoring the role of young professionals in shaping the future of mining safety.
Divisional manager at South Africa’s AMS Haden Mining Services, Garth Nelson stressed the importance of real-time monitoring technologies in mine ventilation.
“Real-time data from sensors and monitoring systems ensures conditions underground are safe and conducive for productivity. With proper ventilation management, mines can run more machinery, produce more tons, and keep workers safe,” he said.
He commended local mining companies for embracing new technologies and shifting mindsets towards health and safety priorities.
“Real-time monitoring using sensors, drones, and wearable devices allows mines to continuously track gas levels, temperature, dust, and worker vitals. This data-driven approach empowers proactive decision-making, helping prevent accidents, cut operational costs, and improve overall efficiency,” he said.
According to the MVSZ, gassing incidents remain a serious threat, underscoring the need for effective ventilation systems.
In 2022,the Chamber of Mines reported 24 fatal mining accidents due to gassing and in 2024, at least 11 gas accidents resulted in 12 facilities, with the artisanal small mining (ASM) sector bearing the greatest burden.
The first half of this year has already recorded a fatal incident, highlighting the persistent risk.
New Ziana
