Online Reporter
Judith Phiri [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Government’s vision of a safe, productive and sustainable artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
This sector plays a massive role as an economic driver, accounting for the huge chunk of gold deliveries in the country. Gold remains Zimbabwe’s single largest foreign currency earner, playing a critical role in national revenue generation and macroeconomic stability.
ZSM principal Engineer Edwin Gwaze said in line with ZANU-PF resolution 6.1 and national efforts to formalise and professionalise the ASM sector, the School developed and launched the Principles of Responsible Small-Scale Mining (PRSM) programme.
“This is a nationwide training initiative designed to improve safety, productivity, environmental stewardship, financial literacy, and regulatory compliance among artisanal and small-scale miners.
“The programme reflects the School’s responsiveness to national priorities and its commitment to extending mining education beyond the classroom and into mining communities across Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The four-day training curriculum covers mining methods, occupational health and safety, drilling and blasting, mineral processing, environmental management, transportation, financial management, and the regulatory framework governing mining operations.”
He said during 2026, the School trained 655 participants through its ASM-focused programmes.
Eng Gwaze said this included 315 miners trained in Mashonaland West in partnership with Mutapa Gold Resources and 230 miners trained in collaboration with Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) and Mutapa Gold Resources.
“30 miners were trained in Matabeleland North and 130 provincial Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries for Mines and Energy, together with affiliates Miners4Economic Development and Zimbabwe Artisanal Miners Association, who successfully completed specialised training programmes,” he added.
“The School has also developed a national rollout framework covering all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe, ensuring that responsible mining practices, safety awareness, productivity improvement and environmental sustainability become integral components of small-scale mining operations across the country.”
He said this initiative reinforces the ZSM’s role not only as a centre of academic excellence but also as a strategic national institution contributing directly to community empowerment, sector formalisation, and the achievement of national development objectives.
Meanwhile, in terms of international collaboration, Eng Gwaze said the School’s international profile continued to grow during 2026.
“The Sweden-ZSM Mining Futures Forum and Zimbabwe’s High-Level Mining Delegation visit to Sweden created important opportunities for collaboration with global partners,” he said.
“These engagements are already generating opportunities in curriculum development, instructor exchange programmes, research partnerships, digital transformation and technology transfer.”
He said such partnerships ensure that ZSM graduates remain globally competitive and equipped to operate in a rapidly evolving industry.
Eng Gwaze said building on previous international engagements, which saw their students participate in the III International Geological Championship in the Russian Federation and present research at the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) Colloquium in South Africa, they were preparing to participate in these prestigious platforms once again this year.
“These opportunities expose our students to global best practices, strengthen international networks and reinforce our vision of producing graduates who are globally competitive and ready to contribute to the future of mining.”
He said the School further strengthened student leadership through initiatives such as the Women in Mining Student Chapter, the ZSM Rotaract Club, wellness programmes and community engagement activities.
Eng Gwaze said these platforms continue to nurture leadership, teamwork, innovation, service and social responsibility, qualities that are essential for success in today’s rapidly evolving world.
