Mimosa donates learning equipment to School of Mines
Mimosa Mining Company has donated learning equipment to the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM).
Rudairo Mapuranga
The midlands-based Platinum Group of Metal (PGM) producer is considered as one of the mines that are critical to the achievement of the US$12 billion mining sector.
“As part of Mimosa’s efforts to develop the skills required in the Zimbabwe mining sector, Mimosa recently donated learning equipment to the Zimbabwe School of Mines’ Department of Geology and Metallurgy. This included four geological microscopes equipped with a camera and digital connectivity to enable online sharing of images by lecturers and students. Mimosa’s donation will enhance the school’s capacity to develop and nurture students and support their journey to become productive members of the mining industry,” the company said.
Through the US$12 billion mining industry, the Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) sector is expected to professionalise, formalise, regularise and grow from small-scale to medium industry. Mimosa’s efforts to equip the School of Mines with equipment is a great gesture toward the development and growth of the ASM industry.
Recently Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) Mashonaland West Province Chairperson Mr Timothy Chizuzu urged young graduates from the Zimbabwe School of Mines to form syndicates and acquire mining concessions in the country at the same time seeking government and experienced miners’ help in running those operations.
“There should be a skill exchange program in the sector, all small-scale miners should employ graduates to curb unemployment at the same time exchanging ideas with the youth people hence promoting the growth of small-scale mining to medium scale.
“Young mining graduates should also form syndicates to acquire claims and start mining as professionals,” Chizuzu said.
Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)
Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) are essential and precious metals which include platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium. These metals are known for their purity, high melting points and unique catalytic properties. In addition to their oxidation and reduction properties, they are also extremely resistant to corrosion. PGMs are utilized in a number of industrial processes, technologies and commercial applications. Their unique chemical and physical properties make PGMs an excellent raw material, catalyst and ingredient for manufacturing processes. Consumer and industrial products made with platinum and other PGMs include flat panel monitors, glass fibre, medical tools, computer hard drives, nylon and razors, among others. PGMs play a critical role in autocatalysis and pollution control in the automotive sector. The bulk of global PGMs are mined in Southern Africa and Russia.