By Own Correspondent

Caledonia Mining Corporation has confirmed that a worker has died in a blasting accident at its Blanket Mine in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province.

Workplace accidents remain a thorn in the flesh for Zimbabwe with stats showing alarming figures over the years. The nation recorded 70 workplace fatalities out of a total of 4,242 accidents in 2024, according to the Labour Minister, who expressed deep concern over the high figures. 

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) reported slightly different numbers for the same year, stating 4,912 injuries and 76 fatalities were recorded in 2024. These statistics highlight the need for improved occupational safety measures across all sectors to reduce workplace accidents and fatalities in Zimbabwe.  

The incident happened on Monday, 22 September, during secondary blasting operations, the company said in a statement from its head office in St Helier on Tuesday. The identity of the worker has not yet been released. The company said:

“It is with regret that Caledonia reports that an accident took place on September 22, 2025, at the Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe, as a result of which one Blanket Mine employee lost his life.”

Caledonia has said that investigations are ongoing to work out exactly what happened in the tragedy.

The company added that its main priority right now is making sure everyone involved is safe and well, and that a thorough investigation is carried out.

It also said no further details can be shared until the relevant authorities finish their enquiry.

Caledonia, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, AIM in London, and the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange under the ticker CMCL, extended its condolences to the family and colleagues of those who died.

Blanket Mine, one of Zimbabwe’s biggest gold producers, has a history of workplace fatalities.

In February 2022, a worker died in a fall-of-ground accident, and another lost their life in a blasting incident in July 2021.

The mine has also temporarily stopped operations in the past to tackle safety concerns.