Routine Blast Turns Deadly At Blanket Mine: One Worker Killed
A Blanket Mine employee was killed during a secondary blasting procedure at the gold mine in Gwanda, in an incident that has shaken the mining community and triggered a full-scale investigation.
The fatal blast occurred underground while workers were breaking down large rock formations following an initial detonation.
The fatal incident, which took place on September 22, 2025, was confirmed by Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc, the parent company of Blanket Mine.
In a statement, the company said: “It is with regret that Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc reports an accident occurred on September 22, 2025, at Blanket Mine, resulting in the death of one employee.”
The company linked the tragedy to secondary blasting—a routine but high-risk process used to fragment oversized rocks after the primary explosion.
Caledonia stated its immediate priority is “to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved and to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this accident.”
Further details remain undisclosed as authorities continue their inquiry.
Caledonia stressed that no additional information will be released until the investigation is complete.
“Caledonia expresses its condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased,” the statement added.
The tragedy has reignited debate over workplace safety in the country’s extractive industries, where underground procedures often carry significant risk.
Caledonia Mining Corporation has pledged full cooperation with investigators and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strict safety standards.
B-Metro
