derick.khumalo
Judith Phiri
[email protected]
THE Young Miners Foundation (YMF) has reiterated the importance of the safety, health, environment, and quality (SHEQ) as vital to the viability and responsibility of any mining operation.
The mining industry of Zimbabwe is the cornerstone of the nation’s economy, contributing between 12 percent and 15 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and accounting for approximately 75 percent of national exports.
Speaking as the guest of honour at the recent SHEQ Association 2025/26 Awards and SHEQ Officers Graduation Ceremony in Bulawayo, YMF chief executive officer (CEO), Mr Payne Kupfuwa said SHEQ were principles that are essential to a sustainable mining industry.
“Mining remains one of Zimbabwe’s key economic sectors, but its success should never be measured only by production. It should also be measured by how well we protect our people, preserve our environment and maintain high professional standards,” he said.
“Safety must always come first. No mineral is worth a human life. Every miner deserves to return home safely after every shift. This requires proper training, the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard identification and a culture where everyone takes responsibility for safety.”
He said health was equally important, as mining exposes workers to dust, noise, and other occupational hazards.
Mr Kupfuwa called on the mining sector to promote regular medical examinations, proper ventilation, dust control and mental well-being to ensure a healthy workforce.
He added: “Environmental responsibility is no longer optional. Responsible mining means protecting water sources, rehabilitating mined-out land, planting trees, and minimising pollution. As YMF, we proudly support environmental initiatives because we believe mining and environmental conservation can go hand in hand.”
Mr Kupfuwa said quality was about doing the right job the first time, while following standards, maintaining equipment, embracing continuous improvement and producing work that meets both national and international expectations.
He said as young professionals, they have a responsibility to lead by example.
“The future of Zimbabwe’s mining industry depends on a generation that values safety, embraces innovation, respects the environment, and upholds quality in everything it does.
“Let us work together, Government, industry, communities and professional organisations to build a mining sector that is safe, responsible, and sustainable. Production can be recovered, equipment can be replaced, but a human life can never be replaced,” he said.
The e vent held under the theme: “Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) in Mining” was hosted by the SHEQ Association of Zimbabwe and awarded 10 national and international organisations with membership certificates.
SHEQ Association of Zimbabwe CEO and Various Co. Group Chairman, Mr Various Chitsinde said the goal was to create opportunities for trained SHEQ Officers across Zimbabwe.
“We aim to protect employees from workplace hazards and to help organisations improve performance to meet international quality standards.”
He said they continue to call upon mining sector players to join SHEQ trainings which are essential to prevent fatalities, minimise environmental damage and ensure compliance with the law.
While it protects workers from severe hazards like rockfalls and toxic gases as well as boosting overall operational efficiency and sustainability.
Guest organisations at the event included YMF, Fossil Constructing National Employment Council for the Catering and Hotels Industry, Mars Foods Company and other leading construction companies.
