Challenges in re-establishing a safety culture after a period of mine closure: Shamva mine, Zimbabwe · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author: Ncube, Gole.
Title: Challenges in re-establishing a safety culture after a period of mine closure: Shamva mine, Zimbabwe
Abstract: The re-establishment of a robust safety culture within a mining operation presents unique and significant challenges, particularly after a prolonged period of closure. This dissertation investigates the multifaceted difficulties encountered by Shamva Mine during its efforts to revitalize its safety culture following a period of closure. Preliminary findings indicate that challenges include: the erosion of safety knowledge and practices among returning and newly hired personnel; the ingrained perception of safety as a secondary concern due to production pressures; the loss of experienced safety leadership and mentorship; the psychological impact of job insecurity on safety compliance; and the difficulty in fostering trust and communication between management and the workforce regarding safety initiatives. Furthermore, the study explores the practical implications of resource constraints and the legacy of past safety performance on current efforts. This research aims to provide an understanding of these challenges, offering actionable recommendations for mining companies globally on best practices for effectively re-establishing and sustaining a strong safety culture in a post-closure environment, thereby contributing to enhanced worker well-being and operational efficiency.
Date: May 2025
Publisher: BUSE
Keywords: Robust safety culture; Multifaceted difficulties encountered
Supervisor: N/A

Item sets: Department of Environmental Science

Media: GOLE NCUBE - ES.pdf