Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Young Miners Foundation (YMF), in partnership with Ngayin Investments Consultants, is training young miners to equip them with essential skills in chrome processing through a programme titled Fundamentals in Chrome Washing Management.
Zimbabwe holds the world’s second-largest chrome ore deposits, estimated at 12 percent of the global resource — second only to South Africa, which accounts for approximately 72 percent of worldwide deposits.
To promote local beneficiation, the Government has implemented a ban on raw chrome exports. A key policy directive also links the issuance of chrome mining titles exceeding 100 hectares to the expansion or establishment of ferrochrome furnace capacity.
As the Government intensifies enforcement of the “use it or lose it” principle, these measures form part of a broader strategy to enhance domestic value addition in the chrome sector.
In an interview, YMF chairman Mr Talent Chitepo said the training initiative aims to equip young miners with critical skills needed in the chrome industry and help formalise their operations.
“The goal is to bridge the gap, and this training programme is designed to empower youth as we transform Zimbabwe’s chrome sector. Recently, in Mvurwi, 47 young, ambitious miners graduated from the Fundamentals in Chrome Washing Management programme.
“We also rolled out the programme in Mutorashanga, where 50 aspiring miners and students were empowered. We look forward to extending the initiative to all mining provinces across the country,” he said.
He emphasised that the programme was not a typical classroom session, but a curriculum tailored to bridge the divide between traditional practices and modern, responsible mining methods.
Mr Chitepo added that participants received hands-on experience — from understanding chrome ore properties to mastering process flows and operating washing plant equipment.
“This initiative directly supports the national goal of youth empowerment and economic value-addition. There is a pressing need for fair and equal access to mining rights, and organisations like ours are ensuring young people are not just participating, but leading with knowledge and responsibility,” he said.
Ngayin Investments Consultants founder and director, Engineer Mufudzi Mutambisi, said the programme focused on separating chrome ore from waste materials, optimising plant efficiency, and complying with environmental regulations.
He noted that key components included gravity separation, equipment selection, waste management, and cost analysis.
Miners for Economic Development (Miners4ED) Mashonaland Central chairperson, Mr Lawrence Mushura, pledged unwavering support for young miners and called for the training programme to be expanded to include other minerals beyond chrome.
He said such initiatives are vital to the growth of the mining sector in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of achieving a prosperous upper- middle-income economy.
The programme also includes a site visit, allowing participants to observe a live chrome washing operation and apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting.
It is organised in collaboration with the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Khumalo chapter and supported by the Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC).
Zimbabwe’s chrome production is projected to rise to 2,7 million metric tonnes in 2025, up from 2,5 million metric tonnes in 2024.
Most of the world’s chrome ore is processed into ferrochrome, a key component in stainless steel production. Although chrome ore has other applications, ferrochrome remains its most significant derivative.
Bongani Ndlovu