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Herald Reporter
Over 1 500 youths have been empowered after getting assistance from Young Miners for Economic Development (YMED) to register mines which is line with the President vision of leaving no place and no one behind in achieving an upper to middle income economy by 2030.
Some of the young people who benefited from the empowerment drive fall under the banner of Pastors for Economic Development.
YMED has been creating opportunities for youths and communities by introducing them to the mining industry through pegging and registration of mining claims and companies.
Chairperson of YMED, Mr Nyasha Magadhi, said the organisation would focus on value addition and beneficiation, while helping youths to secure capital from banks and other investors.
“We are glad to work with Pastors for ED and so far we have assisted over 1 500 youths to be in the mining sector.
“Zimbabwe is predominantly a Christian country and the church has a lot of unemployed youths who are waiting for opportunities to knock on their doors.
“We are urging the youths to create their own opportunities and venture into the mining industry and value add their resources and create a better Zimbabwe,” said Mr Magadhi.
This could be achieved by formalising mining operations to attract capital and investment from banks and other stakeholders.
The small scale and artisanal mining sector contributes up to 12 percent of total exports with Government implementing various strategies to attain growth for valued added exports.
YMED said it would assist young miners to be part of the mineral commodities value chain with the future success of the mining industry firmly dependent on investment in local communities.
“We are eager to work with every Zanu PF affiliate and we are currently engaging with war veterans to peg and register mines for their children,” said Mr Magadhi.
Integrating the gender perspective in the mining industry was also pertinent as the world scrambled for mineral resources in the global south.
“Women in mining communities are more likely to be subjected to sexual violence and rape than other women and engaging women at the helm of running mining concessions will reduce violence against women.
“We urge young women to be part of the mining industry as there are a lot of opportunities to be exploited for Zimbabwe to achieve an upper to middle income economy by 2030,” he said.
Online Reporter