YOUNG miners in Manicaland have been urged to transform mining from a survival activity into sustainable and profitable enterprises through formalisation, improved safety standards and sound financial management.
The call was made during a Young Miners Foundation training workshop held recently at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, where 90 young miners received training in business management, financial literacy, occupational safety and responsible mining practices.
Addressing participants, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said young miners are critical to the growth of Zimbabwe’s mining sector and the achievement of Vision 2030.
He said the Government, under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, has created opportunities for young people to participate in the mining industry through policies aimed at promoting investment, empowerment and inclusive economic development.
Minister Mugadza said the President’s philosophy that “a country is built by its people” has placed youths at the centre of national development efforts.
“The future of Manicaland’s minerals is in your hands. The Government is pleased to see young people taking a leading role in the mining sector,” he said.
He challenged miners to abandon informal practices and embrace mining as a serious commercial venture capable of creating wealth and employment.
“For too long, mining was done informally. We dug today, sold tomorrow and had nothing to show for it the following month. That must end. Register your claims and your companies because a registered business can access finance, access markets and enjoy the full protection of the law,” said Minister Mugadza.
He said formalisation is essential to ensure that young miners benefit fully from the country’s mineral resources while contributing meaningfully to the industry’s growth.
The Minister encouraged miners to maintain proper financial records, pay taxes, reinvest profits and operate through organised structures such as cooperatives and syndicates.
“You should mine like a CEO, not like a gambler. Join cooperatives and syndicates. The Government and development partners are prepared to support organised groups with equipment and training,” he said.
Minister Mugadza also expressed concern over the number of accidents occurring in mining communities, urging miners to prioritise health and safety.
“We are losing too many young miners to mine collapses, mercury poisoning and other accidents. No profit is worth your life. Use protective equipment, adopt safe mining methods and rehabilitate your sites. Let us make Zero Harm our target in Manicaland,” he said.
He further encouraged miners to practise financial discipline by saving and investing their earnings to build sustainable businesses.
Minister Mugadza said the Government will continue supporting youth formalisation programmes, skills development initiatives and efforts to link young miners with markets and investment opportunities.
“Young miners, you are not the problem. You are the solution. If we combine mining as a business with health awareness and financial literacy, Manicaland will become a leader in Zimbabwe’s mining growth,” he said.
Young Miners Foundation Manicaland chairperson, Mr Ngonidzashe Maobvera said the workshop sought to change perceptions about mining and encourage young people to treat it as a viable business.
“Today, we are not here simply as diggers. We are here as entrepreneurs. For too long mining has been viewed as pick-and-shovel work, yet Manicaland is rich in gold, diamonds, chrome and gemstones. If we approach mining as a business, it can build schools, homes and thriving companies for our generation,” he said.
Mr Maobvera said many young miners continued to face challenges such as a lack of formalisation, poor record-keeping, unsafe mining practices and the sale of raw minerals without beneficiation.
He said the organisation is encouraging miners to focus on three key areas: formalisation, safety and value addition.
“Register your claims, join cooperatives and protect yourselves. Use personal protective equipment, avoid harmful mining chemicals and rehabilitate mining sites. Let us mill together, market together and sell together so that we secure better prices for our minerals,” he said.
Held under the theme: ‘Mining as a Business’, the workshop brought together young miners, Government officials, development partners, academics and other stakeholders.
Participants said the training broadened their understanding of mining and equipped them with practical skills to improve their operations.
One of the participants, Mr Hussein Murefu, said the programme highlighted the importance of running mining ventures professionally.
He said he will encourage fellow miners to formalise their operations and work collectively through organised structures.
Another participant, Mr William Majeza, said the lessons on safety and environmental management were particularly valuable.
“Mining provides economic opportunities, but we must never compromise our safety and wellbeing,” he said.
Mrs Nompilo Ngwenya said the financial literacy sessions equipped miners with knowledge on saving, investing and planning for the future.
“The training opened our eyes to the importance of managing our earnings wisely. Mining should not only benefit us today, but should also create opportunities for our families and future generations,” she said.
The training workshop is part of ongoing efforts to empower young people with the skills and knowledge needed to participate meaningfully in Zimbabwe’s growing mining sector.
Ends-herald
‘Mine like a CEO, not a gambler’
