The Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ) says modern digital tools are central to improving mining operations and safety, following insights shared at the ongoing Datamine Zimbabwe conference and workshop, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
The conference, themed “Building Confidence in Mining Decisions through Integrated Data and Technology,” explored topics such as accurate data collection, digital modelling, and real-time reporting that will also feature prominently during the AMSZ Q1/2026 Technical Visit later this month.
The workshop brought together mining professionals from across the sector to discuss how digital technologies can enhance mine planning, resource management, and operational efficiency. The sessions were particularly relevant for small-scale and surface mining operations, which have traditionally relied on paper-based methods that limit planning accuracy and increase operational risks.
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe on the sidelines of the event, Stewart Gumbi, President of the AMSZ, highlighted the growing importance of digital tools in modern mining.
“One of our key takeaways is how critical accurate data and digital modelling have become for modern mining operations. For mining surveyors, tools like integrated 3D geological models and real-time spatial data platforms are no longer optional—they are central to improving mine planning, monitoring, and safety underground. These tools help surveyors transform raw survey data into actionable insights for mine planning, production monitoring, and reconciliation,” Gumbi said.
He added that these technologies allow surveyors to take precise measurements, anticipate operational risks, and collaborate effectively with engineers, geologists, and other professionals on site. “This doesn’t just enhance efficiency; it reduces errors that can be costly or even dangerous,” he said.
The workshop strengthened mine surveyors’ ability to deliver accurate data, integrated workflows, and technology-driven insights, which are essential for better planning, improved operational efficiency, and more confident mining decisions.
It underscored how data-driven practices can improve mine designs, optimise extraction sequences, and improve monitoring, thus ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards—practical steps that surveyors can implement to make operations safer, more productive, and better managed.
Building on these lessons, the AMSZ Q1/2026 Technical Visit to Dallaglio Mining’s Pickstone-Peerless Gold Mine on 27 March 2026 will give members hands-on experience with these practices in a real-world setting.
Participants will explore survey methodologies, digital technologies, safety protocols, data management systems, and training programmes, while also receiving professional updates from the government and the AMSZ and earning Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits.
By observing operations at one of Zimbabwe’s leading gold mining companies, members will gain firsthand insight into modern surveying practices in action.
The visit is expected to foster technical engagement and knowledge sharing among surveyors and industry stakeholders, strengthen professional capacity, and encourage the adoption of global best practices, supporting safer and more efficient mining operations across the sector.
