Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Young Miners Foundation (YMF) has partnered with a privet company, JOMU Engineering to work together towards equipping young miners with requisite machinery and equipment.
This is envisaged to result in increased mineral production, processing and mineral beneficiation much to the attainment of the targeted US$12 billion mining industry 2023.
In an interview, YMF board chairperson Mr Talent Chitepo said the strategic partnership with the engineering consultancy firm will go a long way to capacitate young miners.
“The contract signed between YMF and JOMU Engineering is a positive development to support the mining community particularly young miners. Through this partnership we are to manufacture equipment and machinery to grow and boost the mining sector. The partnership we will ensure that young miners will have access to affordable innovative technologies and engineering services so as equip and empower them,” said Mr Chitepo.
He said services to be offered though this partnership included tailor made equipment such as hammermills, ball mills, head gears, boilers, engineering consultancy and project management.
Mr Chitepo said miners were to also benefit from mining plant installations, technical expertise, equipment sourcing, maintenance and repairs as well as manufacturing of some components.
He said as an organisation they believed that local mechanisation will heavily boost local industry, create employment and also save the country millions of dollars.
“We also anticipate a decrease in the number of mining safety incidences as young miners adapt to more mechanised mining systems. We strongly believe that this partnership will usher the growth and development of small-scale mines into medium scale mines. Hence, we want to encourage young miners to formalize their operations so that they contribute meaningfully to the growth of the nation,” said Mr Chitepo.
JOMU Engineering managing director and chief engineer, Mr Joseph Munemo said in their three-year contract which was subject for review after expiring, there were a number of projects that had been outlined.
“Outlined projects include the Zvishavane gold processing plant and in Mutare there is a metallurgical laboratory which is upcoming. There is a starter pack project which will be starting soon as well,” said Mr Munemo.
He said for the processing plant the Zvishavane, the project was a micro project which when done successfully, they would set up more around the provinces.
Mr Munemo said their strategy was set on beneficiation of miners through consultancy services, capacity building training, training on how to use various mining equipment and sourcing the equipment for them.
“We are going into manufacturing of some of their equipment, which will be affordable to them but of high quality and locally made equipment. This will promote job creation and employment of people,” he said.
Mr Munemo said the youths will benefit if they work well together and in line with the vision of the Government of an upper middle-income economy by 2030, they will develop sustainable projects.
He said the mining industry will grow and become one of the best mining hubs in the region and will greatly contribute to the economy.
Among other services JOMU Engineering offered industrial engineering services, installation, maintenance, repairs and services.
It also trains undergraduates and does apprenticeship, while proffering engineering solutions to engineering problems.
Bongani Ndlovu