The Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) is advancing its school-owned Experimental Mining Project in Inyathi as a practical training and mining innovation platform, with plans underway to establish a Gold Service Centre in partnership with Fidelity Gold Refinery, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
The development is part of a broader effort by the institution to move mining education beyond the classroom, giving students greater exposure to exploration, mining operations, technology and mineral value addition.
Speaking at the school’s graduation ceremony, ZSM Principal Edwin Gwaze described the Inyathi project as one of the institution’s most significant developments over the past year.
“One of the most significant developments during the year has been the advancement of the Experimental Mining Project in Inyathi, which now serves as a strategic platform for practical training, applied research and mining innovation. Significant exploration work has been completed, and plans are underway for the establishment of a Gold Service Centre in partnership with Fidelity Gold Refinery,” Gwaze said.
The school-owned mine gives ZSM a real-world environment in which students can gain practical experience while supporting applied research and mining innovation. The planned Gold Service Centre is expected to deepen that industry exposure by linking the institution more closely with the gold value chain and Fidelity Gold Refinery.
The expansion of practical training comes as ZSM implements its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, aligned with National Development Strategy 2 and Education 5.0. The strategy places greater emphasis on academic innovation, technological transformation and human capital development as Zimbabwe seeks to build a more modern and value-added mining sector.
Technology is consequently becoming a bigger part of the school’s training model. ZSM has made progress in developing a MineTech Innovation Lab, where students are being introduced to artificial intelligence, robotics, digital mining systems and advanced data analytics, technologies that are increasingly influencing exploration, mine planning and mining operations.
The technology push is being supported by upgrades to the school’s practical facilities. Its mechanical and analytical laboratories are undergoing modernisation through the acquisition of new equipment, while specialised ICT machinery donated by the Mineral Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe is expected to further strengthen practical training and research.
The same emphasis on practical, industry-relevant skills extends to mineral beneficiation. ZSM has established a gemstone cutting and polishing training centre and expanded specialised programmes in gemology, foundry technology and mine management, giving students exposure to areas beyond conventional mining disciplines.
These investments are aimed at positioning training closer to the needs of an industry that is increasingly demanding specialised technical skills, digital capabilities and expertise across the mineral value chain.
That focus is also reflected in ZSM’s growing engagement with government, mining companies, development organisations and academic institutions, with partnerships providing opportunities for research, innovation, staff development and student exposure.
Together, the Inyathi Experimental Mining Project, the planned Gold Service Centre and the school’s investments in technology and beneficiation are broadening ZSM’s role from a conventional mining training institution into a platform for practical skills, applied research and innovation as Zimbabwe pushes towards a more competitive and value-added mining sector.
