On Thursday 7 October 2021, 6 Chinese managers and 1 local perished following a blast caused by an oxygen cylinder that burst. Now they are demanding answers from the Zimbabwean government.
The unfortunate incident took place at SAS Mine in Mazoe. An oxygen cylinder is said to have burst and threw the disembodied victims 200 metres away from the scene. The mine is still closed off and the Chinese Embassy revealed in a statement on Saturday that they are in close communication with the government over this issue.
The dangers of oxygen cylinders
Oxygen cylinders such as the ones that burst are well known to be dangerous when they are exposed to common materials such as grease or oil. The high pressures of oxygen carried in the cylinders react violently when it comes too much into contact with grease.
These hazards are the main reasons why proper storage of oxygen cylinders are of great importance in mines. It is common and the required practice to constantly ensure that oxygen tanks are placed where they cannot fall, placed where they don’t block exits or escape routes.
The atmosphere in the mines is important to pay attention to as mines commonly contaminated by gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and excess of carbon dioxide making it necessary to pay extra attention to these oxygen cylinders. The effects of these gases and oxygen reacting together can be avoided by creating proper ventilation systems within the mine.
Not The First Time Their Tanks Burst
Residents and workers at the SAS mine are said to have constantly been asking their Chinese bosses at the mine to pay attention to the hazards presented by these oxygen tanks at the mine. Less than two days before the Blast that killed the Chinese Mine Managers, another blast had occurred and killed one local. This situation was ignored as were others that have taken place prior to this at locals are said to have been told to continue work despite being told several times that the situation was still dangerous.
The Chinese authorities have come under fire from locals for wanting to pay attention to the situation only now that other Chinese have died. Some locals even celebrated that the death of the Chinese at this mine.
Local Sentiments
The gravity of this mine situation was emphasised when the mine workers and other locals were seen celebrating the death of the 6 Chinese. They stated that they were forced to work in these increasingly dangerous mines despite their calls for safer working environments.
In the previous instant the Chinese authorities are reported to have ignored the death of a local worker and did not give his family time to mourn, but instead forced them to get back to work. This ill treatment is said to be a common occurrence in Chinese run mines in Zimbabwe.
At this point, one could also blame the government for not paying attention to the workers pleas for safer working environments and for not setting the Chinese straight on this matter.
The freedom afforded Chinese authorities in Zimbabwe is causing much distress to locals for instance the Uzumba Villagers debacle which we covered previously.