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The Rector of the Catholic University of Mozambique (UCM), Filipe Sungo, has called for measures to prevent deaths in artisanal gold mines, stressing that the country's mineral resources should generate wealth and promote development rather than be associated with the loss of human lives.
Sungo was speaking on Friday in Chimoio, Manica Province, during a graduation ceremony for 302 students, including bachelor's and master's degree graduates. He expressed concern over accidents at the Seis Carros mining area in Vanduzi District.
According to Sungo, a mine collapse in the early hours of 10 September killed at least six people, most of them young. A similar accident at the same site in April this year claimed 11 lives.
"Today, as we celebrate the future of so many young people, we must not forget the lives cut short in that mine or the families who continue to mourn their loss," he said.
In response to the accidents, the rector called for investigations into their causes and the publication of the findings to help prevent further tragedies. He added that UCM was available to provide technical support for the process.
Sungo said artisanal mining was linked to socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, youth unemployment and a lack of alternative sources of income for families.
"Those who descend into a mine at night without proper safety conditions rarely do so out of recklessness. In most cases, they do so because they have no other way to feed their families," he said.
The rector also expressed concern about children's involvement in artisanal mining. He recalled that, last year, media reports highlighted cases involving hundreds of pupils, mostly aged between six and 15, who had left school to engage in mining activities.
At the time, according to Sungo, the education sector sought to reverse the situation by involving families, school councils and other stakeholders.
He reiterated the university's willingness to work with the Government to find solutions to problems associated with artisanal mining, particularly unsafe conditions at mining sites.
Meanwhile, Manica Provincial Secretary of State Lourenço Lindonde urged the graduates to apply the knowledge they had acquired to solving the country's problems and promoting national development.
"Today, you are completing one chapter of your academic lives and opening another. The country is counting on you to contribute to its development. Use your knowledge to help the country progress," Lindonde said.
The 302 graduates completed bachelor's degrees in fields including engineering, agronomy, law, economics and management, accounting and auditing, public administration, clinical psychology, social work and education. The master's graduates specialised in educational management, accounting and auditing, business administration and management, administrative law and public administration.
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