Zim School of Mines carries prospective works in Inyathi

ZIMBABWE School of Mines (ZSM) is carrying out prospective works in the gold-rich Inyathi area in a bid to establish experimental mines for the training institute to further enhance skills competence for students.

ZSM is expanding its skills training programmes in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS1) ideals with a focus on embracing new technologies and enhancing student competencies to meet national economic needs.

The establishment of the experimental mine is in line with Education 5.0 which aims to cultivate students’ entrepreneurial abilities for the development of industries.

Zimbabwe School of Mines

The mining industry is a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s economy as it generates much of the needed foreign currency.

Added to that, ZSM plays a key role in the development of the country and the region’s mining sector as it produces the bulk of the industry’s human resource.

ZSM principal Mr Edwin Gwaze said the school is undergoing prospecting and preliminary exploration for a viable mining location for the experimental mine, which will act as a Small Scale Mining Centre of Excellence.

“Prospecting work has been carried out in the Inyathi area. The school however, welcomes mining houses that are willing to donate claims or an old mine, where the experimental mine can be established,” he said.

“The experimental Mine will provide the Zimbabwe School of Mines students in Mining Engineering and other disciplines with a unique environment for research and practical training in mining techniques and systems.

“Students will gain hands-on experience in underground mining fields such as geological mapping, blasting practice, mine ventilation, rock mechanics practice and safety.”

Mine Ventilation

He said the mine will also allow ZSM to be at the forefront of mining advances in Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, Mr Gwaze said the school is working towards improving the artisanal mining (ASM) sector which will promote formalisation and dissemination of relevant information to assist the sector to prevent accidents and environmental threats.

“Although the ASM activities are carried out as one of the livelihood activities by the participating communities, they suffer from poor organization and limited knowledge of the legal, technical, health, safety and environmental requirements.

“As a result, most activities are carried out illegally and those that own mineral rights do not uphold the required standards which are best practices for the safety and health of workers and maximizing production levels, “ he said.

Mr Gwaze said in order to improve the ASM sector in the country, the ZSM experimental mine is meant to be a model that can be rolled out across the country to assist improve artisanal mining.

“The project will improve the ASM miner’s knowledge and skills through capacity building,” he said. —ebusinessweekly