By Staff Reporter
An underground fire has erupted at the Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) concession, operated by a Chinese subcontractor, due to compromised coal pillars, putting the surrounding community on high alert.
Nevertheless, reports from community monitors today indicate that the problem is far from over. The latest incident occurred at Hwange Colliery M Block where Zimberly Investment PVT Ltd a private Chinese firm subcontracted by HCCL operates. The eruption of the flames is threatening operations at the power plant, where work has been suspended, as a fire team battles to stem out the fumes.
The ignition and subsequent eruption of the underground coal seam fires occurred on the night of October 31 and could affect at least three villages on the windward side of the Hwange Colliery’s M Block. Sources privy to the development state that the fires were caused by the removal of mining pillars, leaving the area exposed and allowing oxygen to ignite underground gases.
The underground fires also pose a significant risk to the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) generation plant, which is located nearby.
Villages 2, 5, and Madumabisa which are close to the power plant where the fires ignited are affected. There is apparent air and water pollution which poses health risks to the community. There is a threat of displacement or evacuation if the fires are not brought under control.
A resident who spoke to The Weekly on condition of anonymity said the local community is anxious for the situation to be rectified, as the eruptions are causing air pollution.
“There is no backfilling of mined areas and no land rehabilitation pits left as they are, and this puts the community in danger. These fires now are causing anxiety among the people as villages close to the site are on the windward side.
“Heavy smoke and choking gases will now be blowing towards the houses where people live, and this exposes us to health hazards. Others are afraid that if the situation persists, they could be forced to evacuate,” said the resident.
“The situation requires prompt attention to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of local people and the environment.”
Pillar extraction mining involves removing coal or other minerals from pillars that support the roof of a mine, creating a network of tunnels and chambers. Risks include roof collapses, underground fires, gas explosions water influx, and subsidence.
CNRG is calling on Hwange Colliery Company Limited to disclose the status of the investigations it announced in December 2021 aimed at finding out the causes of the fires and possible remedies. There is need for transparency since this is a matter of public concern.
The issue of Coal Seam fires in Hwange was first brought to light by CNRG in November 2021 after community members had alerted the organization to the raging fires which are maiming children and claimed some lives.
In a report on the perennial challenge of coal seam fires in Hwange, CNRG states that the “Raging underground coal fires in and around Hwange town are endangering humans, leaving some with near-death experiences and permanent disabilities.”
The report titled Effects of Coal Seam Fires and Other Environmental Hazards on Children in Hwange focused on the vulnerabilities of young children to the prevalent coal seam fires that run underground.
CNRG recommends engagement with local communities and stakeholders by the mining companies and development of Information Communication Technology materials for awareness raising on the dangers of coal seam fires.
There is a need to have clear child safeguarding policies by all mining companies in Hwange. Government, the private sector should team up with civil society and local CBOs and Arts Groups to carry out awareness-raising campaigns in schools and communities on the dangers of coal seam fires.