Zimbabwe School of Mines introduces gemstone cutting and polishing course

THE Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) seeks to explore opportunities to introduce programmes in emerging areas such as renewable energy, sustainable mining practices, digitalisation, robotics, AI and augmented realities.

Speaking during the institution’s 29th graduation and prize-giving ceremony held under the theme “Unearthing critical Mining Skills To Achieve Vision 2030” on Friday, ZSM principal engineer Edwin Gwaze said the institution is on a drive to retool all its laboratories and has introduced drone technology in the past year.

He said some of the courses that have been introduced include certificates in gemstone cutting and polishing, which was launched in August. A diploma in Gemology (May), certificates in small-scale management and occupational health safety and environment (January 2022).

Eng Gwaze also said the institution has introduced Chinese language training, targeting final-year students and staff members.

“A diploma in occupational health, safety and environment has been developed and will commence in January 2024. The school has also been able to conduct an uninterrupted teaching schedule during the year,” he said. “The school is pursuing collaborations with the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe on the provision of equipment and training facilities in gemology training.”

Eng Gwaze said the National Railways of Zimbabwe was also a partner through the provision of workshops and training facilities in the foundry area.

He said the institution was also actively engaged in research and development initiatives.

“Our academic division members are encouraged to undertake research projects, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in various mining-related areas,” said Eng Gwaze.

He said ZSM will continue to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, encouraging staff and students to explore new frontiers in mining technology, environment sustainability, and mineral resource management.

“Two staff members are being licensed as drone pilots; registration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) is currently being finalised. Registration as an approved training organisation and offering remote pilot licences is being paused,” said Eng Gwaze.

“By doing so we aim to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge required to address the industry’s changing landscape.”

Speaking during the same event, the president of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe Mr Thomas Gono said the mining sector is projected for a massive growth in 2024, driven by ongoing expansion projects that are at various levels of implementation.

“The sector has also witnessed an increasing number of new projects, specifically in the lithium, gold, and platinum group metals (PGMs) sectors. Notably, the lithium sector has recorded the highest number of new projects which has seen lithium mines increasing from one to seven over the past five years,” he said.

“Other new projects in the PGMs sector include Karo Resources, Great Dyke Investments, and Todal Mining. In the gold sector, almost all gold producers are expanding their operations,” said Mr Gono.

He said the projects provide an opportunity for graduating artisans to join and be part of the country’s journey to meeting an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 by maximising the contribution of the sector to the socio-economic development of the country.

Mr Gono said the chamber of mines will also continue to tap into the skills developed by ZSM and support the school financially, as well as provide internship opportunities to students.

“I am happy to observe that the number of graduating students is increasing significantly, with 291 graduating today compared to 175 last year. We continue to encourage the school to align their curriculum to industry requirements,” he said.

A total of 291 students graduated from the institution with varied certificates and diplomas during the colourful ceremony.