By Thomas Chidamba
A thrill shot through me when the Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe invited me down under at Unki Mine. Swapping the newsroom for real action—that was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. For years, I’d reported on miners and their world, but this was my chance to experience it firsthand.
Armed with my trusted notebook, recorder, and a borrowed hard-hat (courtesy of a recent interview with TandA Drilling), I set off for Shurugwi.
A Buzzing Hive of Activity
Even at the crack of dawn, the mine was a hive of activity. Miners streamed in, their movements punctuated by the clicks of a sophisticated security system. A stark reminder of the valuable metals slumbering beneath the surface.
Safety First, Always
Safety briefings are journalism school staples, but none prepared me for the seriousness in Mine Manager Wonder Farikai’s voice. His emphasis on safety underscored the inherent risks of venturing underground. The gravity of the situation was clear as we donned our protective gear—a head-to-toe transformation into a modern-day miner.
Engineer Stella Chitakunye, our team leader, scanned us over with the attentiveness of a seasoned pro. She even lent me a forgotten belt, a testament to the camaraderie among miners.
Descending into the Unknown
Torch clutched in hand and weighed down by a hefty safety pack, I climbed into our sleek, modern vehicle. As we plunged down the main shaft, the familiar world surrendered to darkness. Our headlamps carved a path through the blackness, the steady hum of the electric motor a strangely comforting counterpoint to the inky void.
A Different World Awaits
A flicker of fear, fuelled by news stories of mine accidents, danced in my gut. But the scene that unfolded defied my expectations. The main tunnel stretched out vast and meticulously maintained, miners navigating with the practised ease of following invisible traffic signals.
Our first stop came at a significant depth. The air hung thick with moisture, a stark contrast to the cool surface breeze. A colossal conveyor belt rumbled endlessly, transporting its rocky cargo. The temperature was noticeably warmer, a constant reminder of the earth’s heat radiating from below.
As we ventured into narrower tunnels, the ground became slick. I silently thanked Engineer Chitakunye for insisting on proper footwear. The true depth of the operation settled in as we reached a point considerably deeper.
Surfacing with a Newfound Respect
The two hours underground flew by in a whirlwind of exploration. Each minute revealed a new facet of the mining world. It became clear that Unki Mine was about more than just extracting platinum. Safety was paramount, efficiency was king, and impressive technology played a crucial role.
On the return ascent, I found myself seated next to Alfred Madowe, the esteemed head of Pickstone Peerless Mine. In our conversation, a revelation dawned—this trip had altered my perception of mining. It was no longer words on a page; it was a tangible reality.
Unki Mine, I realised, transcended being a mere pit in the ground. It represented the marvel of human ingenuity, a delicate dance with nature, and a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s future. As we emerged back into the sunlight, I knew my perspective on mining had been irrevocably changed. It wasn’t just about rocks and machinery—it was about the courageous individuals who ventured down every day, bringing up the very elements that make our world shine.
