The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has officially released the 2026 examination timetable for all statutory mining qualifications, with strict deadlines set for aspiring blasters across the country, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
According to a schedule published by the Department of Mining Engineering and signed by the Chief Inspector of Explosives, the examinations will cover everything from the basic Mining Diploma to the prestigious Mine Manager’s and Mine Surveyor’s Certificates of Competency.
Key Dates for Your Diary
Mining Diploma
Candidates seeking the Zimbabwe Government Mining Diploma will have two opportunities to sit for their papers:
- First Session: 6 May 2026
- Second Session: 4 November 2026
Management and Surveying
For those aiming for the Mine Manager’s or Surveyor’s Certificate of Competency, the examinations are spread over four days to allow for comprehensive testing:
- May – 4, 5, 7, and 8 May 2026
- November – 2, 3, 5, and 6 November 2026
Engineering Stream
The Mine Engineer’s Diploma and Certificate of Competency examinations will run concurrently with the Mining Diploma dates:
- May: 6 May 2026
- November – 4 November 2026
Full Blasting Licence
The Full Blasting Licence (FBL) examinations, critical for those seeking to handle explosives on mining sites, will be hosted across four centres in 2026: Harare, Gweru, Masvingo, and Bulawayo.
March Session:
- Harare: 3 March
- Gweru: 4 March
- Masvingo: 5 March
- Bulawayo: 6 March
July Session:
- Harare: 7 July
- Gweru: 8 July
- Masvingo: 9 July
- Bulawayo: 10 July
November Session:
- Harare: 3 November
- Gweru: 4 November
- Masvingo: 5 November
- Bulawayo: 6 November
In a note attached to the schedule, the Ministry stressed that all preliminary examinations for the Full Blasting Licence must be completed and closed two weeks prior to the main board sittings.
This means candidates must ensure their practical assessments and paperwork are finalised well in advance of the dates listed above. Late submissions will not be accommodated.
