One year reflection Interview – AMMZ President Eng Abel Makura
It is been exactly one year since Engineer Abel Makura took over the reins of the technical arm of the Mining Industry of Zimbabwe. We had a sit down as the President reflected on a year of milestones, challenges, and forward-thinking initiatives under his leadership.
He shared insights into the Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe (AMMZ)‘s efforts to revise mining regulations, foster regional collaborations, and uphold high standards through sustainable mining practices. Additionally, Eng. Makura addressed the importance of creating pathways for professional recognition of mining Engineers, ensuring continuous skills development, and embracing innovative technologies. This interview offers a comprehensive look at his vision for the future of mining in Zimbabwe and his message of gratitude to the industry for its support.
Q: Since taking over as AMMZ President, what have been your most significant achievements?
A: We’ve continued to grow our membership, welcoming new members, especially from the lithium sector. In the third quarter, we conducted a technical visit to Prospect Lithium, a milestone for us this year. We’ve also fostered collaborations with mining associations outside Zimbabwe, and this year’s conference will feature experts from across the region who will share insights with our members.
Additionally, we’ve made progress on revising mining regulations by working closely with the CGME’s office, and we’re optimistic about finalizing this process soon. We’ve reviewed our constitution with the Chamber of Mines’ legal team to align it with industry developments, ensuring that the association functions well and meets industry needs.
Throughout the year, we’ve prioritized knowledge sharing by visiting various operations each quarter. We’ve also received requests from support services in the Zimbabwe mining industry to tour their facilities, and we intend to visit more in the future to enhance industry learning.
Q: What challenges has the Association faced, and how have you overcome them to maintain progress in Zimbabwe’s mining sector?
A: A significant challenge has been establishing a pathway for mining engineers and technologists to gain professional registration in Zimbabwe. Mining engineers face hurdles in meeting the requirements to register with the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE), unlike other established engineering fields. Many end up registering with external bodies like ECSA and EA. We are working with the Chamber of Mines to gain registration as a constituent body under the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe, though we still need government support to make this a reality.
Q: How has the Association’s work influenced mining operations and set standards across Zimbabwe over the past year?
A: Through our annual audits and competitions, we encourage sustainable mining practices. This year, our audits identified areas where mines could improve operations. Mines that achieved milestones like IRMA certification and autonomous mining have set high standards, inspiring others to reach similar goals in ways relevant to their operations.
Q: Can you share a particular moment or milestone that felt especially significant for the Association this year?
A: One significant milestone was having a member mine go over 12 years without a loss of life, as well as being the first in Zimbabwe to achieve certification for responsible mining. Another highlight was being invited to lead discussions on innovation at the inaugural Digitalization in Mining Africa conference.
Q: How has AMMZ engaged with other regional or international mining associations, and what benefits have come from those collaborations?
A: We’ve started collaborations with AMMSA, aiming for cross-pollination of ideas to advance mining practices in both countries. Zimbabwe and South Africa share similarities in mining operations, but we also have key differences, creating a valuable platform for learning and mutual growth.
Q: What role has the Association played in addressing workforce issues, such as skills development and safety standards?
A: Within AMMZ, we have a working group called Technology, Academia, and Innovation. This group engages with academic and research institutions for career development and curriculum alignment to equip future mine managers. We also work with tech developers to ensure new technologies meet mining needs, contributing to safe and sustainable resource extraction for the benefit of Zimbabwe.
Q: In our last interview, you mentioned the Technology, Innovation & Academia working group exploring new technologies and assessing their impact on future mine managers. Where does this initiative currently stand?
A: There’s been significant progress, with several developments in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, including autonomous mining, blockchain usage, telemetry, productivity monitoring, ventilation on demand, and proximity detection systems. Many of these innovations are spearheaded by members of our working group, reflecting our advancement in this area.
Q: How has member feedback influenced the Association’s strategic direction, and are there ways for members to engage even more in the future?
A: Feedback is crucial for growth, and we value contributions from all stakeholders. We encourage members to share their insights through our social media and communication channels. Members are our ambassadors, and we welcome feedback from them as well.
Q: Lastly, what message would you like to share with the mining community as AMMZ celebrates its first anniversary under your presidency?
A: We are grateful for the support from the mining community, including miners, suppliers, and media houses. Their engagement at our events and on media platforms energizes us to improve every day. We are committed to promoting mining advancement in Zimbabwe and appreciate the trust they have placed in us to lead this journey. We pledge to serve them to the best of our abilities.
This article first appeared in EDITION 76 of Mining Zimbabwe Magazine