Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
THE National University of Science and Technology (Nust) has formally applied for special dispensation consent to undertake experimental mining activities within its main campus in Bulawayo.
The move is meant to facilitate research, teaching and innovation in the field of mineral extraction and mining engineering. It is also aimed at wadding off illegal gold panners invading campus parameters with the illicit mining activities further encroaching onto residential areas such as Killarney, resulting in extensive land degradation.
The university has therefore opted to formalise mining operations on campus, seeking to harness and study the gold deposits in a controlled and academic setting rather than continue to battle the unauthorised activities while doing nothing to exploit the mineral resources.
Nust has since applied to the Bulawayo City Council for a Special Mining Grant consent so as to facilitate engagements with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to establish the gold mine.
According to the latest council report, it was noted that once the local authority granted the experimental and research mining grant consent, the university shall engage the Secretary of Mines and Mining Development on its proposal to partner with the School of Mines to do experimental mining and research.
“The Nust premises over the last few years had been invaded by illegal gold miners who had caused serious environmental degradation and uncontrolled illegal mining. This had prompted the university to consider partnering with the School of Mines and do experimental mining and research.
“In terms of our mining policy and Mines and Mining Development Act, the applicant was required to apply for consent from the Council and such consent was used to acquire special mining grant from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development,” reads the report.
According to the letter from the university, the experimental mine will serve as a vital resource for training students, fostering innovation and advancing research and development in the mining sector in Zimbabwe.
They noted that the mine will provide a controlled environment where students can gain practical experience, test new technologies and develop solutions to address challenges faced by the mining industry.
“The establishment of this experimental mine aligns with the objectives of Education 5.0, a framework adopted by the Government of Zimbabwe to transform the education system. Education 5.0 emphasises the integration of teaching, research, community engagement, innovation and industrialisation.
“The establishment of this mine not only supports the objectives of the university and its partners, but also contributes meaningfully to the broader development and sustainability of the Zimbabwe’s mining industry,” reads the letter.
The experimental mine is expected to serve as a model for integrating academic research with practical mining operations.
Early this year, it was reported that Nust had enlisted the services of the police to help repel the influx of illegal gold miners within its campus.
Last year, six Bulawayo men were arrested and brought before the courts for illegal gold panning activities on the Nust campus.
The panners were caught conducting illicit mining operations in pits located within the university grounds. The arrests followed a raid by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), which included officers from the canine unit who swooped on the site where dozens of illegal miners were digging for the precious mineral.
A majority of the miners fled serve for the six who were arrested. They were each sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.
