Coal mining in Zimbabwe has had negative effects on host communities, the environment, and the country as a whole, contributing to air and water pollution as well as the release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, which are contributing to climate change and respiratory diseases.
Furthermore, coal mining operations have contributed to the contamination of surrounding water bodies. This has resulted in social challenges such as worker health and safety concerns, disruptions to livelihoods, increased traffic, and noise pollution.
However, little has been said on the dangers and effects of underground coal seam fires that have been affecting people living in coal mining locations. People are at risk due to raging underground coal fires with others having had near-death experiences and have lifelong disabilities.
Smouldering ground is a common sight in Hwange due to subterranean coal seam fires; in certain places, the fire is undetectable and there are no flames or smoke to indicate its presence.
What are Coal Seam Fires
In 2021 the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) produced a Report on coal seam Fires which detailed the effects and causes of Coal Seam Fires.
According to the report, coal seam fires are underground and undetected fires which can burn below for decades but can occasionally protrude to the surface with severe effects on flora and fauna. These fires can be ignited by human activity, usually in the process of coal mining or waste removal.
These fires can burn. According to Global Forest Watch, underground coal seam fires cause the ground to become extremely hot and unstable, destroying roads and homes, as well as creating fiery sinkholes that swallow anything from cars to people.
Appearance In Hwange.
Underground coal seam fires are now prevalent in Hwange, throughout the concession owned by Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) where there are also human settlements for the mine labour. Residents have noted that mine residue dumps found in Number 2 and 3 areas of HCCL are some of the most hazardous sites with raging underground coal seam fires. It was noted that loose dry materials that land on hot coal dumps quickly ignite fires that spread to coal seams. Fires travel underground from one coal seam to another and subsist in the ground for many years. Removal of overburden during mining brings the fires close to the ground. In some cases, the overburden gives in to the heat, causing the ground to collapse.
Effects on Children
Whereas several people have fallen victim to the underground fires in Hwange, an analysis of the age range of the victims reveals that the majority are children. Children usually play on grounds close to the mine dumps or run on grounds that have underground fires, unaware of the danger. The areas with the underground fires were not secured and some of the fires were invisible such that children easily walked over the ground.
Recommendations
Whilst children in Hwange continue to be at risk to coal seam fires the solution to some of the hazards is not only with mining companies and regulatory authorities but also families and schools where children should be taught not to play in hazardous places.
Therefore, as CNRG we recommend the following:
• There is need to have clear child safeguarding policies by all mining companies in Hwange and even beyond
• Coal mining companies must carry out awareness-raising campaigns in schools and communities on the dangers of coal seam fires.
• The Department of Social Development should consider providing psychosocial support to all the victims and their families, including support for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
• There are opportunities for social researchers to conduct a study on how poverty is driving risky behaviour in Hwange leading to fatal and near-fatal disasters for vulnerable groups
• The government and mining companies should capacitate local health centres to deal with victims of coal seam fire disasters.
• The government need to align its progressive climate change response strategy and policy to a practical reduction in coal activities in Hwange.