A mining labor organization has raised concerns about unsafe working conditions for employees of contractors working with HCCL Holdings, urging the coal mining company to prioritize worker safety.
In a letter to HCCL’s new managing director, William Gambiza, the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union’s secretary-general, Justice Chinhema, highlighted the challenges faced by workers employed by contractors like Zhong Jian Investments, Mopani Mine, South Mining, and Dinson Mega Coal. Chinhema urged Gambiza to focus on improving workers’ welfare and safety.
HCCL, currently under administration, has used a contract mining model to boost production while cutting costs, reducing expenses from $33 to around $22 per tonne compared to in-house operations.
The union stated that workers with contracted companies face casualization of labor, dangerous work environments, long hours, lack of clean drinking water, inadequate protective equipment, and instances of physical abuse and sexual harassment. Additional issues include salary deductions, barriers to union membership, lack of workers’ councils, discrimination, and inconsistent wages. Poor communication with supervisors and complaints about low pay, insufficient housing, and transportation allowances were also reported.
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Chinhema emphasized that addressing these issues is essential for building trust and stability among workers. With Gambiza’s appointment, the union hopes for improvements in transparency, resolution of grievances, adherence to fair labor practices, and better health and safety measures.
HCCL’s public relations executive, Dr. Beauty Mtombe, directed inquiries to the company’s administrator, who was unavailable for comment. Some mining experts noted that contractors are expected to operate within the standards set by the client.
HCCL, which went under government-led reconstruction in 2022, has made progress under its Business Improvement Project (BIP), increasing production and revenue and paying off creditors. During a media tour, Gambiza expressed enthusiasm about HCCL’s turnaround journey, focused on strengthening its operations and optimizing costs.
The BIP initiative aims to improve competitiveness through enhanced productivity, cost-efficiency, governance, and disciplined spending. Key goals include expanding market share, boosting financial performance, and managing projects and debt effectively.
