Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has challenged universities and mining companies to strengthen collaboration to ensure graduates acquire practical skills and are equipped to meet the technological demands of Zimbabwe’s rapidly evolving mining industry.
Speaking at the inaugural Exploration Symposium held on the sidelines of the 29th Mine Entra Expo in Bulawayo on Thursday, Dr Chiwenga said the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies in mining requires closer engagement between academia and industry to keep training programmes relevant.
He said the mining industry was undergoing rapid technological transformation, making it imperative for Zimbabwe to develop a new generation of professionals with skills suited to modern exploration and mining practices.
“Modern mining sector requires next-generation capability. Artificial intelligence, remote sensing, advanced geophysics and geospatial analytics are transforming exploration,” said Dr Chiwenga.
He said universities were producing graduates, but industry had a responsibility to keep academic institutions informed about emerging technologies so curricula could be updated to meet current and future skills requirements.
“It’s not that universities are not training, but we are not telling them what technology is now there, so they can tailor their syllabus.
“You must also take those students at colleges and universities for attachments, and you start training them. They go back with both theory and practical work,” he said.
Dr Chiwenga said meaningful industrial attachment programmes were critical in bridging the gap between classroom learning and workplace experience, enabling students to graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies.
He urged mining companies and academic institutions to work together in developing young professionals capable of driving innovation across the sector.
“While we honour our seasoned geologists and engineers, we must prepare our youth for tomorrow. I urge academia and industry to deepen partnerships, expand graduate development schemes and equip young professionals with cutting-edge skills,” he said.
The Vice-President said stronger partnerships between universities, colleges and the mining industry would produce a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, improving productivity and enhancing the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
He said sustained collaboration between academia and industry would help build a technology-driven mining sector by ensuring graduates possess the practical skills needed to contribute to innovation, mineral development and value addition, in line with Zimbabwe’s ambition to modernise its mining industry.
